Going to rehab probably isn’t your idea of a good time, probably because you like to party. Unfortunately, there is a fine line between having a good time and having a problem.
Knowing the difference between the two may help you determine when it’s time to quit. Deciding to quit drinking alcohol or using drugs is easy, staying stopped is the challenge.
Choosing to go to rehab can help you learn the tools to keep you sober. We’re going to discuss 9 signs it might be time to enter a drug or alcohol rehab program. Keep reading for more information!
Loved Ones Have Asked You to Stop
When people are asking you to stop or lessen your using or drinking, they do so for a number of reasons. Sometimes it’s because of the negative effects like explosive rage, obnoxious behavior, or dangerous choices.
Other times, they simply see the path of addiction right in front of you. They are worried about your safety, health, and well-being. This means that you should be concerned as well.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal can be a tricky sign to spot. Many people think that they can’t be an alcoholic if they don’t drink every day or if they don’t wake up specifically to drink.
This thought process couldn’t be further from the truth. Of course, if you wake up in the morning with shaking hands due to a night of drinking, that’s a problem.
When you have tried to quit using or drinking and find that you incessantly think about picking it back up, plan your next use or drink, or experience major anxiety, these all can be signs of psychological withdrawal.
Physical symptoms of withdrawal can start within just a few hours of your last use or drink. These can include nausea, headaches, and cramps.
Legal Problems
Legal problems like DUIs, possession charges, public intoxication, or fighting can be a major indicator of problematic usage or drinking.
Having one minor charge could just be chalked up to ‘bad luck.’ Learning from your mistake and changing your behavior is the course that should happen.
Continuing to do the same thing because you feel that you can’t get caught again is something addicts and alcoholics do. You will get caught again if the behavior doesn’t change, and legal consequences always add up.
Job Loss
Maybe you’ve never used or consumed alcohol on the job. Kudos to you, but it’s only a matter of time.
Many places of employment are drug-free, which includes alcohol. If you’re involved in an accident at work, you’ll be drug tested. Even if you aren’t high or drunk at the time, it still slows your reflexes. A positive test will likely get you fired.
Even if you haven’t been let go directly to drug use or alcohol consumption, think of how often you’ve called out, been late, or been preoccupied with your habit. If you’ve been let go because of any of these reasons, you can blame it on being sick–but be honest–you were too high or too hungover to go to work.
Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire
A classic tell-tale sign that it’s time to go to rehab is lying about how much or how often drugs or alcohol is involved in your life.
Here’s the thing, you might think you’re fooling everyone by telling them your consumption is only after work or on the weekends… your behavior tells otherwise.
Furthermore, feeling the need to lie means YOU know you’re using or drinking too much.
Mental Health Problems
Addiction and alcoholism go hand in hand with mental health illness. Here is the problem with drugs, alcohol, and the brain:
Alcohol and certain drugs are depressants. They ‘numb’ the emotional and physical pain. When removed from your system, you suddenly feel those emotions you wanted to hide from.
Stimulants make you feel great. However, stimulants cause the brain to dump massive amounts of feel-good chemicals. Over time, the brain loses the ability to naturally produce these chemicals leaving you feeling depressed unless the drug is present.
Of course, this is over-simplification. The point is that drugs and alcohol can cause mental illness or can amplify it.
RSVP Only to Alcohol or Drug-Friendly Events
Opting out of your cousin’s baptism because there won’t be alcohol served isn’t okay. You might feel it won’t be a good time without alcohol or drugs or maybe that you’ll be judged.
No matter your reason, deciding to only attend events that are drug or alcohol-friendly is something normal people don’t do.
Experiencing Blackouts
Did you know that experiencing a blackout every night isn’t a normal part of drinking? Even if you’ve only experienced this issue a few times, it is still problematic.
Waking up in the morning with little to no memory of the night before can be scary. Not knowing how you got home, waking up in jail, or the hospital are very real possibilities.
Blackouts aren’t an excuse to say, “if I don’t remember it, it didn’t happen.” They are a true sign of a problem and could put you or your loved ones into some dangerous situations.
Your Doctor Has Advised Treatment
The crazy thing about this sign is you might have never told him that you use or how much you drink. There is a good chance that he’s noticed your physical and mental deterioration over time and knows exactly what is going on.
When a doctor advises treatment, it isn’t a joke. If he said that you have cancer and needed radiation, it’s likely you’d follow the advice.
Make the Right Choice: Go To Rehab
If you’re experiencing any of the signs above or relate to multiple scenarios, chances are you know there is a problem.
Choosing to go to rehab isn’t for the weak-minded–in fact, it’s just the opposite. The choice is a tough one but will help get your life on track.
When you’re ready to receive help for your addiction or alcoholism, be sure to contact us. Until then, check out our blog for more information on recovery!
