You use alcohol or drugs. But are you actually addicted? That’s a hard line in the sand, making a statement that you cannot stop using substances.
You may think you can stop, and perhaps you’ve tried in the past. Some people say they do what they want and aren’t afraid of the consequences. But, if you are like many other people with addiction, at the heart of it all, you recognize that you need help because you want a different future.
At Raleigh Recovery, we offer tools and resources to help each person build a strong future for themselves. That starts with recognizing when it is time to get help and, ultimately, in deciding to contact us for immediate help.
Top Signs You May Have an Addiction and Need Rehab
Not every person who uses substances develops an addiction. However, data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that over 40.3 million people had an SUD in 2020. You are not alone in your path.
Addiction, more formally called substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic condition in which a person continues to use substances despite recognizing the negative implications it has on their life. Typically, this means you have a combination of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological symptoms.
The following are some of the most common signs of addiction we see in our Raleigh patients.
- Using more: Needing to use larger amounts of the substance over time to gain the same relief or benefit you did prior, an indication of tolerance
- Wanting to stop but failing to be able to do so: Typically, this involves trying to cut down or reduce amounts used, but not being able to do so for a long period of time.
- Recognizing problems and still using substances: This often becomes evident when you know there is a problem with continued use, see what it causes to your physical, mental, and social life, and you still feel the need to use those substances.
- Urges and cravings: Experiencing intense cravings for the substance that are impossible to ignore
- Spending time and energy on getting the substance: Often at the expense of other responsibilities and obligations
- Failing to meet obligations at home: Changes in your ability to meet expectations at home, such as in providing support for your family or meeting tasks at work
- Engaging in dangerous behavior: This may include driving while using the substance, operating machinery under intoxication, or engaging in reckless behavior more frequently
Recognizing these signs in yourself is difficult. Most people don’t like to admit that something is not right. You don’t have to admit that to anyone else. Take a few minutes to think about what you do during the day and how much of your day centers around the use of substances.
Feelings of Withdrawal
Another important symptom of addiction is the sense of withdrawal. A person who stops using the substance, often suddenly, finds themselves unable to simply go on their day. With addiction, you think about it, get agitated, and even become physically ill if you do not seek out the drug.
This happens because of the changes that occur as a result of using a substance. Substances like opioids, alcohol, and cocaine all change the brain’s chemistry, making you dependent on the substance. When you stop using it, you feel it physically and mentally. It can be incredibly challenging to work through addiction detox on your own.
What You Can Do About the Signs of Addiction Right Now
You don’t have to push away the worry in the back of your mind that you’re struggling with addiction. Instead, take a few simple steps.
1. Contact us
When you contact Raleigh Recovery, we’ll offer a consultation and conversation. It’s a time to learn if we can offer you help and to get an initial level of help. We’ll be glad to help you determine if you need care and the right type of addiction treatment in Raleigh best suited for you.
2. Consider medical detox
Detox is a process in which your body works to strip itself of all of the toxins present, flushing your cells in the process. As that happens, your brain is fighting back, trying to convince you to use the substance again. In a medical detox, you’re not trying to do this yourself. You’ll receive hands-on support for the physical and emotional impact this process can have.
3. Get into treatment
Drug addiction treatment in Raleigh is available to you through our treatment center. Here, you will receive a welcoming, home-like atmosphere to live in for several weeks. You’ll work on your behavioral, physical, and emotional needs while having holistic support around you.
There is no pressure here. Instead, there’s a way for you to move beyond addiction and reclaim your life. Contact Raleigh Recovery now for a consultation.
