So, how do you know when to get help?
According to the Mayo Clinic, warning signs of substance abuse can include:
- Feeling that you need the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day.
- Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts.
- Needing more of the drug over time to get the same effect.
- Taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period of time than you intended.
- Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug.
- Spending money on the drug, even though you can’t afford it.
- Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities or cutting back on social and recreational activities because of drug use.
- Continuing to use the drug even though you know it’s causing problems in your life or causing you physical or psychological harm.
- Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn’t do, such as stealing.
- Driving or doing other risky activities when you’re under the influence of the drug.
- Spending a lot of time getting and using the drug or recovering from its effects.
- Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug.
Similarly, these questions are often asked in screening for alcohol abuse:
- Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
- Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
- Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get over a hangover?
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance or alcohol abuse, getting help could be life-saving. You may worry that you or your friend will get in trouble for using the substance, but no one who cares about you wants you to be afraid to seek help. They would much rather find out that you have an addiction than leave you to suffer alone.
National Rehab Hotline offers these starting points:
- Reach out to a drug addiction hotline: Call 866-312-5586 to speak with a trained professional who can provide immediate assistance, guidance, and support. They can help assess your situation, answer your questions, and provide information about local treatment options.
- Consult healthcare professionals: Doctors or addiction specialists can assess your specific needs and further recommend appropriate treatment options.
There is a wide-variety of treatment options available, including outpatient support groups, individual therapy, in-patient and residential facilities, medication support, and tele-health support.
Likelihood of success is linked to:
- Involving family and loved ones: Reach out to trusted family members or friends who can provide emotional support and help find the right treatment resources.
- Following through with treatment: Once you have identified the best treatment option, commit to the process and actively participate in your recovery. Attend therapy sessions, follow medication protocols (if applicable), and engage in support groups to maximize your chances of success.
Recovery is never easy, but always worth it.
Find more resources and help here:
If you are struggling to cope with someone else’s addiction: https://al-anon.org/newcomers/teen-corner-alateen/
If you need to find support for issues with drugs, alcohol, or mental health: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support
If you need to access the National Substance Abuse Hotline: https://nationalrehabhotline.org/
If you want to anonymously share your story with other alcoholics to receive support: https://www.aa.org/what-is-aa