Recognizing drug or alcohol addiction in yourself is very difficult. This is because people who are addicted tend to tell themselves and others that they can stop at any time, and that they are in control. This type of denial is the first sign of addiction. It is also the biggest obstacle to getting the help you need. An important step on the road to recovery is honesty.
If you’re wondering if you have an addiction problem, take an honest look at the way you live. If you drink or use drugs every day, chances are that you’re addicted.
Another good way to find out if you in fact have a problem is to go a full 24 hours without your habitual drinking or drug use. Then try to last another 24 hours. If you cannot survive 48 hours without your ‘fix’, it may be time to get some help.
Getting help for a drug or alcohol problem is another difficult step, but one that you won’t regret. People who are close to you care for you and are a valuable source of support when you decide to get help. Once you have reached this point of decision, approach someone you trust and talk to the person about your problem. Ask him if he would be willing to help you do what you need to beat it. Both you and the person who supports you will need to recognize that the road ahead will probably be a difficult one.
Once you have discussed your problem with a person you love and trust, it is time to be more public about it. Find a support group. The beauty of today’s technology is that you don’t necessarily have to join a local group. You can go online and join chatrooms to talk about your problem. Support groups can give you both support and valuable information on where you can get professional help.
There are many professional institutions that can help you deal with your addiction problem. Depending on the seriousness of your addiction, you could be helped as an outpatient. In such a case, it is important to understand that you will need to be very disciplined and minimize your access to the substance you are addicted to. You can also ask family members and friends to help monitor your progress and keep an eye to make sure that you don’t fall back into your addiction habit. If your addiction is severe, you may need to be admitted to an institution that can help you overcome your addiction.
Support is absolutely vital if you are to overcome addiction. Friends and family can help you stick to your plan. Support groups can understand your day to day struggle. But the first step is always understanding that you have a problem in the first place. You can only change if you believe there is a need for change.
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