In the early stages of drug use, it can be easy to wave away the signs that you are developing a serious problem. Often, our lives need to hit a serious roadblock and sometimes run right off the rails before we understand just how bad things have gotten. When reviewing your options for drug abuse treatment centers and finding the right program, a careful review of underlying issues may be helpful.
For example, you may be abusing prescription drugs because you were recovering from a serious injury. You may have developed a problem with alcohol because your social circle provided you with no other outlet for relaxation. You may have avoided detox and treatment for a while now because you are the child of an addict and you couldn’t face that history.
It’s Not Just About Drugs and Alcohol
Addiction is a destructive, invasive disease that lives in your brain. Your mouth may be doing the drinking or smoking and your body may be suffering damage, but it’s your brain that truly needs to do some changing so you can fully see what addiction is doing to you. Humans have some tangible, consistent needs. We need
- food and water
- shelter
- weather-appropriate clothing
We generally want to extend these same things to those who are dependent on us. This list of needs is a constant among humanity. Addiction bumps things around on that list. If you have ever been low on groceries and spent money on drugs or alcohol, it isn’t because your intention was to be a neglectful parent or an irresponsible spouse. However, because the pull of the addictive substance inserts itself into the understanding of survival, we lose control and struggle to make good, safe choices for ourselves and our loved ones.
Sadly, what addiction doesn’t do to our brains is take away corrosive feelings such as shame, guilt and unworthiness. Your choices while under the pressure of an addictive craving can make you feel worthless, but the addictive substance gives little release when you do gain access to it. You may be able to numb those feelings away, but they will come back. Your addiction treatment program needs to provide you with
- safe, monitored detox
- counseling to address underlying mental health issues
- therapies for your family as you try to salvage relationships
As you search for a program, consider some of the aspects of treatment that may have been off-putting in the past. If you grew up surrounded by addicts, you may find the idea of your own addiction abhorrent. Should you have a mindset that addicts are unstable and dangerous, you may struggle to embrace your own treatment process. Because may rehab programs are bound up with the 12 step program, carefully consider your viewpoint on a higher power. Some find that a spiritual counselor and religious connection during treatment and after are incredibly comforting.
Others find these aspects of treatment incredibly off-putting. Both viewpoints are valid; just be honest about your comfort level regarding spiritual expression. Carefully consider what you and your family need from treatment. If you have small children at home, your spouse may feel like a single parent because you were undependable. Reconnecting with your children and supporting your spouse are both crucial goals of rehab for you and yours.
While you can do both of these in an in-patient facility, you may feel a deeper connection to your spouse more quickly if you can undergo outpatient treatment. Regardless, the first step is detox. Detox should always be undertaken in the care of medical professionals. Your family and friends do not need to be a part of this; detox is painful and can be quite dangerous. The next moves are completely yours, but it is crucial that you do some homework as to the underpinnings of your chosen rehab facility. You may need the help of a psychologist or a psychiatrist. You may need pain management. You will need time to heal. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call 833-820-2922.