When does recreational use of alcohol or drugs turn into an addiction? No one wants to be addicted to alcohol or drugs. No one wants to admit they are addicted and face the social stigma. But, addictions do not go away on their own, they get worse. When a person realizes they may have an addiction problem, it is important to have a safe, caring option to turn to for help.
Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Why do some people enjoy alcohol or drugs as a recreational activity for years without ever becoming addicted while others are hooked after the first use? There are many reasons a person can become addicted. Some of them are emotional, genetic, physical, and some are a mystery.
It takes a team effort to break the patient’s addiction and start the road to recovery. You can learn more here and at other sites dedicated to drug and alcohol addiction and treatment options. The experts agree that a person must learn about the reasons for their addiction to have a better chance at treatment success. The best programs take care in assessing each patient to find their physical and psychological needs. Then an individual treatment plan is developed.
Why Trying to Break An addiction Alone Does Not Often Work
Breaking an addiction involves many steps. Addiction treatment options including detoxification, behavioral counseling, medication, long-term follow-up, and more. Detoxification is the first and hardest step. It involves painful withdrawal symptoms and a lot of discomfort. Then one must deal with the drug cravings that can lead to relapse. Withdrawal can bring anxiety, nausea, paranoia, seizures, vomiting, severe trembling, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Treatment Programs Can Be Chosen To Meet Your Needs
Treatment for drug or alcohol addictions comes in different types including Residential treatment, Day treatment or partial hospitalization, outpatient treatment, and sober living communities. Patients may spend time in the first treatment option and then advance through the others as they make progress. The goal is to overcome the addiction and learn coping mechanisms so you can go back to independent living successfully.
5 Wonderful Ways Rehab Can Change Your Life
Getting clean and sober is hard work, but it is well worth the effort. There are at least 5 ways rehab changes people’s lives.
1. Living a life free of addiction to drugs or alcohol means you can fill your life with rewarding activities and community involvement.
2. You will be able to think more clearly and become aware of personal needs such as exercise, self-care, diet, and healthy sleep patterns. This allows you to become a healthier and happier person.
3. A drug-free, sober person will be able to improve their life by fixing negative behaviour. This will improve their interactions with others. Taking responsibility for your own actions and words is a big step.
4. A clean, sober person is more grateful for life and the good things in the world. Less is taken for granted. It is easier to appreciate the home, job, family, and friends that you are blessed with.
5. Then, there is a shift in your attitude toward alcohol and drugs. The longer a person is clean and sober, the less they miss those chemicals. As the need decreases, there is room in life for other valuable things like career, home, friends, and family. Hobbies and other life-enhancing experiences can be more fully enjoyed.
Though getting clean and sober is a hard, time-consuming task, it is worth it in so many ways from better health to a happier life.