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Addiction Services: How to Tell If You Need Help and How to Get It

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You might think you’re completely alone if you’re suffering from an addiction, but you’d be wrong. Almost 21 million Americans are suffering from the same thing as you, and each of them feels the same way.

However, only 10% of them get treatment.

There are many reasons for this. They might be in denial about the addiction, or simply don’t know where to look for help.

This is why it’s important to be introspective and recognize the signs of addiction in yourself. If you do think you might be suffering from this condition, it’s essential you seek help from addiction services.

Take a look at these signs.

Inability to Stay Away

The best method of how to tell if you’re addicted to something is to ask yourself the all-important question: could you stay away from it, if necessary?

For example, if you’re worried about your alcohol habits. Would giving up alcohol for a period of time be troubling to you? Would it even be possible?

You have to be honest with yourself when answering these questions, because only then will you know the truth. Honesty might be hard, but after that, things will get easier. You just have to get the process started.

If you come to the conclusion that you would find it unbearable to stay away from the substance or activity in question then it’s likely an addiction.

Physical Withdrawal

When getting addiction help, or even when trying to wean yourself off of whatever you’re worried about, you might notice physical signs of withdrawal. This is most common with alcohol and drugs, and may include:

  • Irritability
  • Shaking
  • Loss of appetite
  • Increased heart rate
  • Headaches
  • Loss of sleep

These symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on how the withdrawal is going.

If leaving any substance behind, from medication to alcohol, means that you suffer from physical withdrawal, your body is likely addicted to it and it’s time to seek help.

Social Changes

Sometimes, the signs aren’t physical. Sometimes you can notice it in your social patterns.

Are you avoiding having people over because they might see some unfavorable habits you’d rather cover up? Do you avoid events if there’s no alcohol present?

Or are you just withdrawing from people in general, and can’t bring yourself to face them?

It’s important to notice if there are any changes in your social habits. Of course, these might be due to something else entirely, but it comes back to being honest about our answers.

Are you withdrawing from people for a different reason, or because you’re hiding something?

Defensive Behavior

It’s difficult to recognize defensive behavior in ourselves. Usually, people think they’re just being logical, and rationalize any lashing out because it’s easier than dealing with the truth.

If you find yourself defensive, however, it might be because of your addiction.

If someone sits you down and expresses concern, recognize that it’s because they love you. Rather than snapping or insisting there’s nothing to be worried about, you should listen to any worries the other person might have.

It might not be easy to hear, but it will do good in the long run.

Changing Priorities

Have you noticed your priorities changing? Would you rather sit at home and drink rather than meet up with friends? Are you risking your career over a substance or activity that seems more important?

This might be because you’re addicted to the new thing you’re prioritizing, and this is why it’s especially important to get help.

You could end up ruining relationships or your own work life over it. The last thing you want is for your addiction to start affecting every area, so the sooner you act, the better the results.

Addiction Services: How to Get Help

So you’ve recognized you might be addicted, and you’re ready to do something about it — but you need to know how to get help for addiction.

Talk to Someone

The first thing you should do is talk to someone. Admitting your addiction is the first step to sober living — or living without whatever addiction you have.

It doesn’t even have to be a professional. If there’s someone you feel comfortable sitting down with, do that — whether it’s a friend, family member, or romantic partner.

Ask them their feelings on it and get an outside opinion if it helps to reassure you.

Explore Your Options

You might be able to quit your addiction on sheer willpower alone. If not, there’s no shame in getting professional help.

There are a variety of facilities and things to potentially help such as outpatient, long-stay facilities, and medication. Behavioral therapy can even be a huge help.

Ultimately, it depends on what your addiction is and the strength of it. What works for one person will not work for everyone, and that’s why it’s important to do your research, know yourself, and ask for advice if need be.

You can visit your doctor to get started if you do think you might need professional help.

You Can Change This

Addiction is not an easy thing. All kinds of people end up with addictions and it’s not a shameful thing. It’s important to be brave and ask for help if you’ve been suffering, whether that’s from a trusted friend or professional addiction services.

With some help and determination, you can get through this and live a happy, healthy life without your addiction weighing you down.

For more life tips and advice, check out the rest of our site.

I'm Nikos Alepidis, blogger at motivirus. I'm passioned for all things related to motivation & personal development. My goal is to help and inspire people to become better.

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