People rarely begin experimenting with drugs or alcohol in hopes of becoming addicted. While some may realize the potential for abuse regarding this sort of behavior early on, others jump in head first and quickly spiral out of control. The latter may initially be in denial when friends or family point out the obvious signs of addiction. These individuals may understand that there’s a problem but not know how to approach the situation. Admitting addiction is the first step to leading a sober, healthier, and happier life.
As a Texas recovery center, we know that admitting your addiction can be challenging. Although you may feel ashamed or embarrassed about your substance abuse habits, being honest is necessary for achieving sobriety and regaining control over your life.
Am I an Addict? The General Signs to Look Out For
Many people have to experience or learn something on their own in order for the message to stick. People in denial about their addiction often have friends and family members constantly trying to help them but to no avail. If you’re on the fence about your substance abuse habits, read through the list below to determine if you’re experiencing any of these alcohol and drug dependence symptoms and behaviors.
Addiction symptoms and signs may include:
- Secretive behavior
- Self-isolation
- Risky or dangerous behavior
- Inability to stop drinking or using drugs even when you want to
- Denial of drinking or using
- Extreme fluctuation in weight
- Unusual body odors
- Lack of personal hygiene
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Unexplained anxiety and paranoia
- Depression
- Lack of motivation
- Hiding drug paraphernalia like burnt spoons and needles
- Stealing money or prescription drugs
Understanding where you are on the spectrum of substance use disorder can help you when admitting to loved ones that you have a problem. You could be a functional alcoholic or drug addict, or maybe you’re dealing with a co-occurring mental health disorder. In some cases, people with addictions don’t even think they have a problem, especially those who have grown up around others who used drugs or alcohol in the same capacity.
However, there’s a fine line between recreational use and addiction, and this line often becomes blurred. If you or a loved one is showing any of these signs, then it may be time to reach out for professional help. At Banyan Treatment Centers Texas, we offer a variety of addiction treatments as well as medically monitored detox to help you heal from your addiction and regain control of your life.
How to Admit You Have an Addiction
Admitting your addiction means you have to first acknowledge your drug or alcohol problem in order to willingly take the next step forward. Regardless of how much your friends or family may push you to change, you have to decide that for yourself. Going to rehab without acknowledging your need for it can not only make the process more difficult, but it increases your chance of relapse in the future. Below are some steps you can take to come to terms with your drug or alcohol problem and work towards a healthier life.
- Be honest with yourself
- Take responsibility for your actions
- Make amends with those who were hurt by your addiction
- Share your plans with your closest friends and family members
- Receive drug or alcohol detox treatment
Don’t be so quick to deny your problem. If several people have pointed out that you’re showing signs of substance abuse, then it may be time to get help. When admitting you have an addiction, don’t make excuses, but take responsibility for your actions. Apologize to the people you’ve hurt and make a real effort to show them you want to get better, such as actively seeking out and receiving addiction treatment.
What to Do if Your Family Isn’t Supportive
Every family is different, and in some cases, the individual with the addiction doesn’t receive much support from their loved ones. If you’re worried about unsupportive family members who may not receive the news well, there are things you can do to mitigate the problem.
The first thing we recommend doing is speaking to a family member you are close to and trust. This could be a sibling, aunt, uncle, or even one of your parents. Speaking with them first about your addiction can help boost your confidence and ensure that they’ll be on your side when admitting your addiction to other family members and friends. If the latter isn’t possible and you’d prefer to keep it between you and this person, then at least you’re receiving support from someone, and you’re being held accountable.
As we mentioned, admitting you need help with addiction is only the first step to getting sober. After admitting addiction, the next step is getting treatment. Banyan Treatment Centers offers Texas drug and alcohol treatment for all kinds of substance use disorders that can help you regain your health.
For more information about our facility and the services we offer, call us today at 888-280-4763 or send us your contact information, and we’ll reach out to you as soon as possible.
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