Learning how to ask for help with addiction can be a vital step on your path to improved health.
It’s common to want to solve problems on your own. But when the problem involves dependence on alcohol or another drug, attempting to do everything yourself can be a recipe for disaster.
The good news is that you have many options. And when you get the right type of help, your life can get much better.
Why is it Necessary to Ask for Help?
Addiction is a chronic, progressive disease. Here are two important parts of this definition:
- The word “chronic” means that addiction is a lifelong concern. It is not curable, but it is treatable. People who receive the care they need can manage their symptoms and remain abstinent from alcohol and other drugs.
- The word “progressive” means that the symptoms of addiction can get worse over time if a person doesn’t get the help they need.
If you have developed an addiction, this is a condition that you will live with for the rest of your life. This doesn’t mean you will continue to abuse alcohol or other drugs – but it does mean that the urge to do so may arise at any time, even after years (or even decades) of sobriety.
One reason to ask for help with addiction is that maintaining recovery is a lifelong effort. Even if you are currently doing OK in terms of managing stress or responding to conflicts without using drugs, that doesn’t mean you’re prepared to face every challenge that may come your way.
Asking for help allows you to benefit from the knowledge and experience of others who may have been where you are today. It can also connect you with sources of support that you may need in the future.
A second reason to ask for help with addiction is that, if you don’t get proper care, your urges and compulsions will not merely disappear on their own. In fact, they are likely to become more severe. When you get help, you minimize your risk for continued harm while you work to remedy the damage that your addiction has already caused.
How to Ask for Help With My Addiction
To understand how to ask for help with addiction, it can be valuable to identify what type of help you need, then determine who is best prepared to provide that assistance.
Getting help for addiction can take many forms. Calling a friend, making a doctor’s appointment, and entering a treatment program are all examples of getting help.
Who to Ask for Help From
Here are a few suggestions about who you may want to contact to get help:
- A trusted friend or family member: If you are concerned about your substance use, talking to someone who knows you well can be an important first step. This person can help you talk through what you’ve been experiencing. Sometimes, just saying the words out loud can give you the perspective you need to determine how bad your problem has become.
- Your family doctor: General practitioners are not necessarily addiction experts. But your doctor can provide you with a professional opinion regarding your substance abuse. If your doctor’s assessment results in a diagnosis of a substance use disorder (which is the clinical term for addiction), they can recommend treatment options that are appropriate for you.
- An addiction treatment center: Once you understand that you need professional help, it’s time to determine which types and levels of care are right for you. The representatives of any reputable addiction treatment center should be happy to discuss their programming options with you. If a center that you contact isn’t the right fit for you, they should be able to suggest other facilities in your area that may have the services you need.
Benefits of Asking for Help With Addiction
It would be impossible to list all the potential benefits of asking for help with addiction. Here are some of the more significant ones:
- Addiction can be isolating. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may have been hiding your behaviors from friends or family, or lying to them about how you’ve been spending your time. Once you reach out for help, you can begin to tear down the walls that have separated you from those who care most about you.
- When you’re in the throes of active addiction, you might feel like no one could possibly know what you’re going through. You may also begin to believe that no one cares about your struggles. The moment you ask for help, you will discover the wealth of resources that are available to you. You may also realize that you have more support than you ever knew.
- Depending on the nature and severity of your addiction, the withdrawal process may be painful and even dangerous. Detox professionals can offer the medical and therapeutic support you need, so that you can rid your body of addictive substances safely and with minimal distress.
- Effective addiction treatment professionals won’t simply treat your symptoms. They will help you address the issues that may have contributed to your substance abuse or prevented you from seeking treatment sooner. This may include identifying a mental health disorder or another concern that you weren’t previously aware of.
- Perhaps most importantly, asking for help is an act of courage, compassion, and connection. It demonstrates that you have the desire to improve your life and the strength to admit you can’t do it all on your own. It shows that you care about yourself, and that you understand the value of shared support. Asking for help can lead to healthier relationships, stronger bonds with loved ones, and a more hopeful outlook on life.
Ask Us For Help With Your Addiction Today
Renewal Health Group is a trusted source of personalized care for adults who have been impacted by addiction and other behavioral health concerns. The treatment centers in our network offer a wide range of services and multiple programming options. With our assistance, you can end your substance abuse and start living a healthier and more satisfying life. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
