Do I Need Help With My Addiction?

The way addiction affects your life may differ from person to person, but its foundation is the same.

Addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes a person to continue using drugs or alcohol despite harmful consequences.

Once an addiction has developed, chronic drug or alcohol use has already caused changes in the brain that interfere with self-control and increase the urge to use. The consequences of substance use may become quickly evident in some people’s lives. For others, the effects may be less noticeable until the addiction has become severe.

If you’ve asked yourself, “Do I need rehab?”, know that an addiction treatment center can identify the severity of your substance misuse, develop a personalized treatment plan, and get you on the road to recovery safely.

Signs Your Addiction Requires Rehab

Going to rehab may be the safest option if the following signs or symptoms are present:

  • Chronic use of substances, particularly Benzodiazepines, alcohol, stimulants, or Opioids
  • Unsuccessful attempts or a persistent desire to quit
  • Inability to keep up with duties at home, school, or work due to substance use
  • Continuing to use drugs or alcohol despite ongoing social or relational problems caused by substance use
  • Using drugs or alcohol in physically hazardous situations
  • Experiencing intense cravings for drugs or alcohol
  • Taking larger doses or for longer periods of time than originally intended

Other signs of addiction, such as a buildup of tolerance, may be present as well.

Detoxing And Healing At Home

When it comes to the question “Can I detox at home?”, the answer is typically no.

Detox, the process in which the body is cleared of drugs or alcohol, is usually the first step of a rehab program, and it is not always safe to undergo at home.

Physical dependence upon substances such as alcohol, Benzodiazepines, Methamphetamine, and other substances can cause withdrawal symptoms that can be severe or life-threatening.

Life-threatening symptoms can include:

  • Seizures
  • Severe depression
  • Delirium
  • Autonomic dysfunction (loss of ability to regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and other normally “automatic” functions)

It is impossible to know which symptoms of withdrawal a person may experience. However, if a person has had severe withdrawal symptoms before, they are likely to experience them again.

Going through detox at a rehab or other addiction treatment center can greatly increase the likelihood of safety and decrease the likelihood of relapse.

Find a detox center near you using our rehab directory today.

Explore These Featured Addiction Treatment Centers

What Happens In Rehab?

There are typically different stages or levels of treatment during rehab that depend on your stage of recovery. Common levels of treatment include:

DetoxificationMedication and other supportive methods may be used during detox to minimize symptoms and maximize safety.

Inpatient treatmentInpatient rehab takes place in a hospital or residential rehab. Both options typically consist of a rigorous treatment schedule, with medical care available 24/7.

Outpatient treatmentOutpatient treatment can range from partial hospitalization programs (PHP) that meet six to eight hours per day throughout the workweek to a traditional program that may meet once a week or less. The type of outpatient program selected depends heavily on a person’s individual needs, which may change as they recover.

AftercareAftercare consists of ongoing efforts after the completion of a formal program to manage addiction. Examples include involvement with support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, meeting with a recovery coach, or residing in a sober living home.

The Importance Of Support During Recovery

Having adequate support while recovering from addiction is necessary for long-term success.

Addiction is a powerful disease that can overwhelm the brain and prevent good decision-making. Having the following support can significantly increase your chances of successful long-term addiction maintenance:

  • Behavioral therapy, to help the brain heal
  • Medication, to combat withdrawal symptoms or ongoing cravings
  • Sober community, to remind you of the benefits of recovery and help keep you accountable
  • A substance-free home environment, to reduce the ease of relapse
  • Loving friends or family, to give you the support you need when recovery feels difficult
  • Education, to help you learn about your disease and resources available to help

Will Going To Rehab Help Me With Long-Term Recovery?

Treatment programs can provide reliable, evidence-based therapy, medication, community, education, and the space to assess any life changes that need to occur for healing, which are crucial elements to long-term recovery.

Therapy allows you to develop coping skills to change harmful ways of thinking and resist relapse in the future. By investing in rehab, you are investing in your future self.

Get Help For A Substance Use Disorder Today

It’s important to remember that you are not alone. Engaging with other people with addiction can provide physical, emotional, and social support that is vital to recovery. Deciding to get help can feel challenging, but it’s never too late to get started.

Contact a treatment provider today to explore your treatment options and find out how rehab can help you on your recovery journey.