If you are someone suffering with substance abuse disorder (SUD) and you are lucky enough to recognize that you are at a point where you can choose recovery over addiction, then you should certainly consider doing so. However, for those who are much deeper into their substance use, they may not be so lucky to take the steps on their own to get help. In these cases, help is often given from friends or family who care about their loved one enough to support them through the tough things they are facing and to continue to be there to see them through to the other side. As a close relative or friend of someone who uses various substances, you may be able to recognize when enough is enough and an addiction is either too serious or has gone on for too long and nothing else has helped them. This is when a treatment center becomes a real option to help aid in the recovery of the person with the SUD. You may also be in the situation where you know that there is a problem but you’re not sure if it’s time to consider a treatment center or if you should still try to find other options to help them get to a point of recovery.
Recognizing SUD Severity
Dennis Hopson has outline signs of alcoholism that you need to pay attention to in order to decide that it’s time for further help from a treatment center. While these characteristics of this SUD are applied to alcohol use, they are representative of addictions to other substances as well. Therefore, no matter the substance, if you find that your loved one exhibits these signs and symptomologies of a SUD, then it is time to get them the help that they need:
Legal Issues: some people with a SUD tend to end up in jail, having their driving privileges revoked, being required to pay fees and court costs, and end up with one or more criminal charges on their records, whether misdemeanors or felonies.
Blackouts: those with severe use may end up not remember what happened to them, how they got somewhere, and may sometimes unknowingly find themselves in dangerous situations.
Deteriorated relationships: those with a SUD that has been going on for a long time or has gotten out of control can be taxing on family and friends and can severely strain these relationships.
Choosing a SUD over responsibilities: if a SUD is severe enough, the person may begin to stop going to work, do poorly in school, and even stop taking care of their children, depending on the situation.
Increased tolerance: many people who have a long-lasting SUD often gain a high tolerance to substances which means that it takes more of it to achieve the desired effect; this can be dangerous and very expensive.
Going through withdrawal: if a person begins experiencing withdrawal symptoms because they are going without a substance, then their SUD is severe and should be addressed and treated. Symptoms include anxiety, hallucinations, flu like symptoms, headaches, and sometimes seizures, among other things.
Lack of control of consumption: being unable to go without the substance in certain situations or prior to, or not being able to stop usage during events such as when having a medical procedure done or being placed on other medications for health issues.
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, find someone to talk to and find a way to get help. At this point, getting help may be the difference between life and death should the SUD continue and worsen. It is understandable that life is hard and that there are many feelings that have to be dealt with, but substance use isn’t the way, at least, not anymore. You are so much stronger than you think and have the power to overcome much more than you probably give yourself credit for, and this truth applies to getting on the road to recovery. You can do it.
Call to Action
If you are currently suffering from a SUD, there is a chance that you may feel as though you have lost your way. You may not understand why you are where you are or how to find a way out. We want to help you get back on track. Make a personal investment in yourself and get help today. Having a team and really community of support to help get you through can offer piece of mind and a sense of security. At Enlight Treatment Center, we emphasize care and comfort and we want to be that team for you to help you overcome issues and get back to your best self. Whether you have questions or want to visit our facility and talk with us in person, we are always here for you. You can call us at (805)719-7954 or schedule a tour of our facility at 11811 Darlene Lane, Moorpark, CA 93021.
