Struggling with substance misuse can cloud your world, making it seem as if that dream life you always wanted is only getting further away. Maybe you have everything you once hoped for — the dream job, the family, the financial comfort — but you use drugs or alcohol to fill the void you still feel inside. How do you know when it’s time to get help with your substance use disorder?
Everyone experiences the physical and psychological impacts of addiction differently. For some, it could be their family pleading with them to get help; for others, it could be a devastating event like losing a job or getting a DUI. The truth is, the sooner you get help with your substance abuse, the sooner you’ll stop allowing drugs and alcohol to control you. A better life is in reach. What are some signs that you may have a problem, though?
Here are a few questions to ask yourself honestly:
Substance Abuse Has Caused Issues With Work
Has substance abuse inhibited your work performance? Have you missed meetings or deadlines? Maybe you’ve even been falling asleep at work because of a hangover. Even if you think no one’s noticed, they probably do.
Alcohol or Drugs Have Created Relationship Strains
Has your alcohol or drug use been the cause of a fight or break-up in your love-life? Maybe you’ve noticed your friends or family distancing themselves from you as a reaction to your substance use. As with work, it’s easy to convince yourself that it’s not “that bad,” but your loved ones may beg to differ. If you can handle it, get a dose of reality by asking them how your drinking or using has affected them — and be ready to listen.
Hiding or Making Excuses for Your Substance Use
Have you been hiding how much you’ve been drinking or using from those close to you? Do you make excuses such as, “I have a high tolerance,” or, “It’s been a long work week?” Are you constantly promising yourself “I’ll stop next week…next month…after my vacation.” If you have a hidden stash of empty wine bottles or bindles, know that’s not “normal” behavior and you might have a problem.
Emotional Changes From Drug or Alcohol Use
Do you feel depressed or anxious all the time? Long-term use of alcohol and drugs directly affects the brain’s chemistry and can cause emotional highs and lows. Maybe you feel like you’ve been going through the motions of work and your family life. Do you remember the last time you laughed? It is possible to get your joy back once you realign your mind, body, and spirit and begin a life in recovery.
Realign Your Mind, Body, & Spirit
Luckily, even if you relate to these instances, you don’t have to keep living that way. When now are you ready to start living a life of purpose and joy? Your fear ends and your success begins here — with residential addiction treatment. Avila Heights Recovery provides nothing less than the highest quality, individualized care as you embark on the journey of a lifetime.
Our Masters-Level Therapists will work with you to create a highly individualized plan that addresses your unique needs and goals. Together with the clinical team, you will begin to explore your core issues – the underlying trauma and/or co-occurring disorders.
Our program uses evidence-based therapeutic approaches to explore the psychological, social, physical, and spiritual aspects of addiction. Some of the therapeutic modalities used at Avila Heights Recovery include individual therapy sessions with your primary therapist, many different therapeutic groups, and experiential activities. Throughout your stay, you’ll be guided and supported by a team of expert professionals whose experience and dedication will help you to begin the road to recovery with confidence and serenity. Get started today by contacting our admissions concierge, here.
