When to Seek Treatment for Drug or Alcohol Addiction?

1. Your addiction is causing harm to yourself and or others.

Any harm caused by addiction is significant and should be addressed quickly.

If you find yourself, friends, or family in any physical or emotional danger, it is imperative you seek treatment immediately. As each person’s struggle with addiction is different and many symptoms vary, treatment is available for a wide variety of cases. Remember, it is never too early or too late to seek treatment.

2. Your life revolves around your addiction.

Life is meant to be lived, not survived.

Whether due to physical limitations caused by addiction symptoms or behavioral changes brought on by cravings, if you are experiencing a compromised lifestyle, such as abandoning social events, work, or personal responsibilities, it is time to seek treatment.

3. You are engaging in risky, unsafe behavior.

Unnecessary risk taking is not a normal part of life.

Along with the medical risks associated with drug or alcohol addiction, risky, unsafe behavior— including financial irresponsibility and public intoxication—could further harm yourself and those around you. Health, professional, and legal problems can all arise from dangerous, substance-induced behavior.

4. You cannot properly function without drugs or alcohol.

Life is more beautiful when you are able to see it clearly.

If you are experiencing trouble concentrating, feelings of withdrawal, or mood swings, you should look into treatment. Even in cases of mild addiction without great changes in outward physical or emotional behavior, treatment is available to regain cognitive abilities and confidence.

5. You have tried to quit but have been unsuccessful.

Failure does not have to be the end of your story.

Maybe you have cut down slightly or pushed yourself through periods without using drugs or alcohol, but if your addiction persists, seeking treatment could help you prolong these successes and allow you to finally abandon substance abuse.  There is no shame in seeking treatment, it is quite the opposite.  Calling out for help is a sign of strength and that strength and need to change can carry you through your recovery journey.

FINDING HELP:

It is never too early or too late to seek treatment. At Lighthouse Recovery, we’re happy to work to find the Treatment Solution that is best for you, whether or not that may be at one of our sober living homes or in our partial hospitalization program in Dallas, TX that offer a full suite of services.  There can be feelings of guilt and shame or fears that have kept you from reaching out for help.  Let us reassure you that those feelings are common and we understand because we too have been there.  One of the hardest steps is picking up the phone to call out for help.  Let us reassure you, you will speak with a compassionate person that will take the time to understand your situation and help you find the services that you need.  Every call is handled on a case-by-case basis and we do not charge for consultations. Please contact us today to find out more about how Lighthouse can help you on your road to recovery.

FURTHER READING & RESOURCES:

National Institute on Drug Abuse
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline