There are around 2.1 million drug-abuse related emergency room visits every year in the US.
Roughly 1 in 10 Americans aged 12 or over struggle with an alcohol or drug issue. That’s 23.5 million people. That same source states that only 11% of them receive treatment.
Statistics like these indicate two things:
- There is a significant problem with drugs and alcohol in America.
- People wait too long, or fail entirely, to seek appropriate support.
Why is this the case?
Well, acknowledging you have an issue isn’t easy. It takes real courage to identify a problem and realize you require help. Likewise, some people may not actually know the signs of drug and alcohol problems.
We wanted to help.
Keep reading to learn 7 signs you might have a drug and alcohol problems. It’ll help you decide if it’s time to check-in to Los Angeles drug and alcohol rehab.
7 Signs You Need Los Angeles Drug and Alcohol Rehab
Recognizing that you have a drug or alcohol problem is never easy. It takes courage to spot and accept the signs of drug and/or alcohol dependency.
Knowing what to look out for can help in this process. Here are 7 key signs it might be time to seek support.
1. You Experience Withdrawal Symptoms
What happens when you don’t take drugs or alcohol?
Withdrawal symptoms are painful physical and mental experiences that arise through abstinence. You might get headaches and flu-like symptoms; your hands might shake when you wake up in the morning. You might feel paranoid, irritable and lethargic.
Withdrawal’s a reasonable indication that addiction has set in and that rehab might help. Likewise, be wary of intense longing for drugs or alcohol.
2. You or Someone Else Has Been Hurt
Have you hurt yourself or someone else while under the influence of drugs and alcohol?
Heavy consumption of drugs and alcohol affect our decision making and ability to take care of ourselves. If you’ve got into a habit of hurting yourself or others when inebriated, then it could be worth seeking support.
Similarly, depression and suicidal thoughts often occur in addicts. Substance misuse is often used as a coping strategy. However, it tends to make things worse.
Get help as soon as you can if you’ve had any thoughts of harming yourself.
3. Your Work, Social, and Home Life is Being Affected
Excessive intake of drugs and alcohol can lead to problems in many areas of life.
You may lose your job. Your social life might suffer. You may stop hanging out with friends and family in favor of taking drugs or drinking. Ask yourself if any of these have happened to you.
However, don’t assume you have no problem just because you continue to function well in all aspects of life. This is a common misunderstanding. You may still require rehab to deal with a growing habit.
4. You’ve tried to Quit
Quitting an addiction is hard.
Have you tried to quit taking drugs or alcohol but not been able to? This may be a sign rehab is required. It’s likely that you’re already in the throes of addiction.
Similarly, quitting for a week isn’t the same as quitting! Finding it hard to stop for anything longer than the shortest periods of time is a possible sign of addiction.
Get help sooner than later.
5. You Lie About the Situation
Facing up to the truth is hard.
Do you find yourself lying about the severity of the situation to yourself or others? Do you tell people you drink less or take fewer drugs than you do in reality?
Lying to yourself or others is a sign that somewhere, inside, you know there’s an issue. Shame and guilt are common factors in an addict’s life. It isn’t easy. Seeking support through rehab will help alleviate both the addiction and underlying shame.
6. Your Social Networks are Concerned
Sometimes your friends and family know best.
Have the people closest to you begun to express concern about your drinking and drug habits? It can take those around us to spot a problem. But it can be difficult to acknowledge at a personal level.
It can be easy to start lying and avoiding your nearest and dearest when this starts to happen. This approach feels easier than facing up to the truth.
7. Your Doctor Tells You to Stop
This one might be obvious.
But when a medical professional tells you to seek support, you can trust that it’s for a reason! They will be able to look at your physical and mental state. Through various tests, they may be able to ascertain the current state of affairs. Any concern they express should be taken seriously.
Likewise, tests may not be necessary. A conversation about your current habits may be all it takes. Try to be honest with the Doctor. Remember, they’re there to help, not hinder.
This may be the perfect first port of call on your road to rehab. Make an appointment. Talk to them about your concerns, and ask if they’d recommend rehab.
Time to Wrap Up
There you have it: 7 signs it’s time to check in to Los Angeles Drug and Alcohol Rehab.
Drug and alcohol issues are immensely common in the US. Seeking support is an essential step to mitigating the damaging impact they can have on your life.
Spotting the signs of a problem is an important first part of the process.
Remember, two clear signs of a problem are experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you abstain, and hurting or being hurt when intoxicated. Similarly, when important aspects of your life begin to suffer, and being unable to quit, it might be time to access help.
Likewise, be aware of lying about the situation and hearing concern from your closest friends and family. Finally, listen to your doctor. Seek support if they tell you to.
Keeping these signs in mind will hopefully help you access the support you need before it’s too late.
Are you worried you have an addiction to drugs or alcohol? Are you looking to access support in Los Angeles? Be sure to contact us now to see how we can help.