Addiction is a chronic disease, one that impacts people in multiple ways. Those with addiction seek out and use substances even though they recognize that doing so could have negative consequences. Addiction can impact your health, relationships, mental well-being, and every other aspect of your life in some way.
It’s estimated that 46.3 million people over the age of 12 in the United States meet the criteria for having an addiction, or substance use disorder, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
As a disease, addiction warrants treatment. While some people may decide to stop using and do so, those with true addiction and dependency are less likely to be able to stop using substances without help.
How do you know you need to get help for addiction? Consider the following signs.
#1: An inability to stop using the substance
A person with addiction engages in harmful behavior on a consistent basis. Sometimes, they want to stop their behavior but cannot do so. Often, a person will have tried to stop using more than once but find themselves engaged in substance use again.
Do you want to stop using substances? Have you tried only to find that you cannot stop? If so, that may be a clear indication that you need help.
#2: An intense focus on the substance
Another clear indication of a problem with substance abuse is when a person seems to be intently focused on the substance. For example, you may be thinking about using it over and over again. You seek it out and feel “off” when you don’t have it or know when you will have it again.
#3: Increased tolerance to the substance
Your body can get used to the amount of substance you are using, and when that happens, you need to use more of it to get the same overall results. Tolerance, as this is called, is problematic for many reasons, including that it can lead to an increased risk of overdose when you approach levels of the substance that your body cannot handle. Don’t overlook the fact that using more of the substance or combining it with other substances is an indication of out-of-control use. Seek out professional drug addiction treatment.
#4: Dependency and withdrawal symptoms
If you stop using the substance and you begin to have intense cravings for it, pain, headaches, or mood swings, that’s an indication of dependency. Withdrawal symptoms like these are the body’s way of demanding more of the substance.
When you enter drug and alcohol treatment in Lubbock, Texas, with our team, you will have support as you navigate these withdrawal symptoms.
#5: It’s impacting your relationships
When you are experiencing drug and alcohol addiction, life becomes very focused on your need to access the substance/s. At this point, you’ll start to feel like other aspects of your life are spiraling out of control. People are mad at you, your employer is upset about the quality of your work, and your friends are distancing themselves. Your relationships are likely to be impacted in many ways at home, work, school, or any other location.
#6: You feel helpless
When the body and mind are dependent on a substance, it’s easy to feel like the substance controls you. You may feel guilty, depressed, and afraid. You may feel like you just cannot stop no matter what you do or want to do. These feelings become overwhelming and are a reason to seek out drug addiction treatment.
#7: Your health is failing
Drug and alcohol addiction is toxic to the body. Over time, your health will fail even if you feel okay right now. Problems with your liver and kidneys, lungs and heart, and your brain are likely to develop over the short term. Many of these conditions worsen over time.
In fact, continued use of these substances can lead to disease and chronic, permanent damage. The sooner you take action, the better.
Reach Out to The Ranch at Dove Tree for a Consultation
Maybe you’re not sure if you need addiction treatment. Why not find out so you can get the care you need? Contact The Ranch at Dove Tree now. Let our team offer help in our addiction treatment center in Lubbock, Texas.
