What To Do If You Think You Have A Drug Or Alcohol Problem
Unfortunately, substance abuse is a common occurrence these days, and if you feel you are struggling with these issues, try not to feel ashamed or alone. In fact, many people are going through what you are too right now and coming to terms with the idea that you may not be in the best place is the first hurdle to get over.
Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to try and regain your strength and address this problem head-on. What you don’t want to do is deny you have a problem and not take action to help yourself. This is a time when you need to dig deep and find the courage to admit that you’re powerless over your addiction and require intervention if you’re going to find true health and happiness.
photo “Tbone” by AB via wikimedia commons
Do some Self Reflecting & Research
You may believe you have a drug and alcohol problem but aren’t quite sure yet the severity of it. Now is a good time to try to find out as much information you can to get to the bottom of what may be going on with you. There will be questions you’ll need to answer, and it’ll require honest responses on your part. It may also be helpful to read stories from others who are struggling to see if you can relate to their experiences and review tips from experts on what to do and where to turn next depending on your current state.
Stop Making Excuses
Excuses hold you back from being your best self in all areas of your life. For example, you may avoid working out because you say you’re always too tired. While you may not sleep that well some nights, stating you’re too sleepy to workout is an excuse and will keep you from reaching your fitness goals. The same goes for your drug and alcohol problem; you tell yourself you’re fine when you’re truly not okay. You may make an excuse and say you need the extra help to get you through the day. However, in reality, you’ll perform a lot better without them in your body. It’s time to stop making excuses for why you can’t cut back and understand the truth is you may not want to or be able to on your own.
Get Help
There’s always the option to find one of the best rehab centres out there and get professional help for your addiction. The experts at these facilities are trained and prepared to assist you in your battle and can assist you to a healthier place where you feel like yourself again. Asking for help is a sign of strength and not weakness, so never be afraid to speak up and reach out if you’re feeling helpless and afraid about what’s going on with you. You’ll likely feel comfortable in the facility very well and meet other people like you who are also struggling and you can all share stories and comfort one another during this difficult time.
Open up to A Trusted Person
Sometimes all you need to get to the bottom of what’s on your mind is to talk to someone you trust. Find a family member, friend or professional therapist and open up about what’s been happening in your life. You may come to realize there’s a bigger problem on your mind and you’ve been using drugs and alcohol to cope. Sharing your feelings and emotions will allow you to get to the bottom of what’s bothering you and then be able to figure out if you also need help with your drug and alcohol use. Having someone to listen and offer advice (if you want it) is encouraging. You’ll likely feel stronger after a few of these talking sessions with someone you can depend on to be there for you.
Practice Healthy Behaviors
It’s important to take care of yourself even if you’re also dealing with a drug and alcohol problem. Do your best to practice self-care activities like exercising, eating right and going to bed at a decent hour. Keep in mind the more substances you use, the harder it will be to take care of yourself and get good sleep. However, it’s worth a shot to try and combat your poor habits and replace them with healthy behaviors. For example, try going out for a long walk or hike instead of having a drink and see what happens. You may or may not come to the conclusion that you feel powerless and need outside help.
Take A Break
If you think you may have a drug and alcohol problem the worst action you can take is always to be going out and hanging around it. Now is a good time to step back and take a break from it all so you can attend to your wellbeing. It may even require you to request some time off work while you attend to your problem. Don’t be afraid to put your life on hold for a while as you use your time and energy to nurse yourself back to health. This is also a good opportunity to learn new and healthy ways to manage your stress without using substances as a coping mechanism.
Be Patient with yourself
It’s important to keep in mind that you have a challenging road ahead of you, but that you can get through it if you put your mind to it. Be patient with yourself and know that healing from addiction doesn’t happen overnight. It’s going to take time, and you’ll have some days when you’ll feel like you want to quit. However, continue to remain positive and picture how great your life will be once you’re clean. It’s a complicated situation without an easy answer, but you need to understand that you’re not alone and shouldn’t feel any shame for what you’re dealing with.
Conclusion
You’ll be glad to know there’s a lot you can do if you believe you have a drug or alcohol problem on your hands. You don’t have to live in misery and loneliness any longer if you’re willing to use these tips to get you to a better place. It may take a few attempts before you get it right, so continue to keep trying and never give up on yourself.
Author: Carol Trehearn
