Many people believe that addiction means drinking alcohol from morning to night or sitting in a dark alleyway shooting heroin into the arm. However, addiction does not always look like this. Many professionals that get up every morning and go to work and adequately provide for their families struggle with an addiction to alcohol or drugs.
What makes an addict is when the substance or activity to which a person is addicted is causing problems in their lives. Someone can be classed as having an addiction when he or she tries to quit but cannot. Just because you are not falling down drunk every day does not mean you do not have an addiction.
Hitting Rock Bottom
Another misconception that many have is that a person must hit rock bottom before he or she will be ready to get help for addiction. The term rock bottom is often used to describe the point at which a person believes his or her life or addiction cannot get any worse. Nevertheless, it is not necessary to reach this point before seeking help for an addiction that is obviously causing devastation and destruction in an affected individuals life and the life of his or her family.
If you are such an individual, upon the realisation that something is afoot you should consider getting some professional help. If you no longer feel in control of your drinking or drug taking, then you ought to at least consider the possibility that addiction has you in its steely grip. You do not have to wait until a doctor tells you that you could die if you continue drinking or taking drugs or your spouse tells you he or she is leaving if you do not get help. At the end of the day, how far do you want to sink before deciding it is time to get better? Do you want to wait until you are out on the street having lost your family, job and home? Do you want to wait until you have been arrested for a crime you committed to fund your habit?
Making a Change
Everyone is different, and the point at which they decide to make a change will depend on their circumstances. Before you actually reach out for help, you may experience a number of stages. The first stage is pre-contemplation. This is when you have an inkling that you may have a problem, but you are not prepared to do anything about it at this point. Contemplation comes next and occurs when you are fully aware that addiction is an issue in your life.
Preparation is the point at which you have admitted to yourself and/or others that you have a problem, and have decided to get help. This is a huge step for an addict and the first one on the road to recovery. You are now ready for action, and this happens when you will be actively doing things to get help, such as contacting organisations such as Rehab Helper for advice and support on where and how to access the treatments needed to overcome addiction.
The last stage is maintenance and, at this point, an addicted individual has sought help and has completed a programme of rehabilitation. He or she is now ready to do everything to stay on track. Recovery is an ongoing process and one that needs a lot of effort. Recovering addicts must be alert to the danger or relapse and must be able to deal with any temptations and triggers that may arise.
Getting Help
You may well be at the contemplation or preparation stage if you have found your way to this website. When you are ready to get help, Rehab Helper is here to assist. Call us today to see how we can help.
