Addiction is far more common than most people think with around 60,000 people or more dying in the US yearly from drug overdoses. This number doesn’t take into account people that have died from health complications caused by addiction. Addiction can creep up on you quickly and can get out of control in a matter of weeks or months. Certain substances are more addictive than others and can even be deadly if you try to quit cold turkey. The following are things you should know about falling into addiction and finding the help that you need.
Avoid Drinking Daily
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to people drinking an immense amount due to boredom. Some beer manufacturers are worried about running out of cans because of the immense demand. Drinking daily can start out as fun but can quickly become a problem. A drink or two daily can turn into more which can lead to dependence both physically and mentally. Limit the number of drinks you have weekly especially if your family has battled alcoholism in the past.
Has Your Life Become Unmanageable?
Drinking or using drugs daily can lead your life to become unmanageable. This could include failing to take care of your personal hygiene, responsibilities, or struggling at work. You could be spending the bulk of your time trying to get high or drunk at any cost. You likely will have financial issues due to spending money daily on substances. Certain substances are more expensive than others with alcohol being extremely affordable for bottom-shelf liquor. Create a list of ways that substance abuse has helped you and you will see exactly how damaging it has been to your life. This is one of the first things you’ll do in a drug abuse treatment program as well.
Getting Arrested
Arrests can be the wake-up call that you need when you have started to fall into addiction. This could be a DUI or a drug arrest. You need to enlist the help of a drug arrest lawyer that will help immensely. You do not want to spend time in jail especially if this is the first arrest of your life. You can get the help that you need through court-imposed programs to help you get your life on the right track.
Getting Help
Getting help for your addiction will require you to put away your pride. Most people cannot crawl out of addiction without professional help. Professional help can include going into a rehab program or starting to attend substance abuse meetings. Reaching out to a number of programs can allow you to see what you can afford. There are some free options available but you will have to do hard work to find them. Getting a bed in a rehab program doesn’t mean that you can stay if you do not follow the rules. You will have to attend meetings and consent to regular drug testing to keep your place.
Falling into addiction is far easier than you might think especially if you have a family history of addiction. Take time to truly evaluate your life and how addiction is impacting it in a negative manner.