Addiction is a rough and challenging path for many people. The fact that you are here right now looking for a way to reach out for help means that you have taken the first step in recovery, you have admitted that you have a problem. Now that you recognize the problem it is time to do something about it.
You should not feel shame in asking for help from friends, family, your doctor, or a treatment center. This is what’s necessary to get healthy again. If you do not seek out help, it is not going to come to you. Here are some things to help encourage you when reaching out for the help you need.
You’re Showing Courage
Many people suffering from addiction feel as if asking for help shows weakness. Men usually tend to have more difficulty than women in this type of situation because they have always been viewed as strong, or as a provider, and when it comes to admitting they have a problem and asking for help they may feel emasculated.
The truth, however, is that we are all human beings and we get sick, some in different ways than others. Addiction is a disease, without treatment, it could have fatal effects. By asking for help for your addiction you are showing courage and showing that you will not be a victim to this disease any longer. You are also being strong and taking the initiative to fix an issue that needs attention. Overall, you’re setting yourself up for a better and healthy life.
You’re Facing the Truth
People suffering from addiction have too much pride to ask for help when they need it. It’s likely because they do not want to be dependent on others for their care while battling their addiction in a treatment facility. To leave behind the good in their life to fight the bad, it takes a lot.
It is important to face the truth today and realize that you might have an addiction. When entering into a treatment center you will get the support, counseling, and guidance needed to get sober and stay sober. You will be able to develop new coping skills and techniques that will help you prevent relapse, keeping you clear of drugs and alcohol throughout your day to day life, able to handle any stress that comes your way. You will find the confidence that you are able to live your life free of addiction, you will find support from your friends and family as well as others who are too in recovery.
You’re Dealing with Your Feelings
With addiction, you’re at a very vulnerable stage in your life and it’s easy to get emotionally overloaded. In the first week of treatment, you will find yourself stuck in a flood of emotions. For so long you have covered up these emotions with drugs or alcohol, keeping them buried inside. At times you may feel as if you don’t deserve to love or be loved, you will feel worthless, inadequate, anxious, depressed, fearful of rejection and abandonment.
All of these emotions are normal and part of the healing process, it may hurt at times but soon you will move past them. This emotional overload you will feel is a side effect to detoxing from alcohol or drugs, hitting you hard as the chemicals and toxins are leaving your body. Do not be afraid, the fact you are experiencing these emotions is a good thing, they show that you are healing and on the road to recovery.
We’re Here to Help
Whether your addiction is new and recognized early or you have been abusing substances for years, it is never too late to ask for help. Treatment is going to be hard, you will have ups and downs, however, if you are ready to get clean and sober you will be able to overcome your addiction and begin living a more fulfilling life in sobriety.
No matter what has happened in the past, how many times you have relapsed, or how terrible your life has become, remember to never give up. Turn to a treatment center today, ask for help, you deserve the opportunity to turn your life around and begin your journey to sobriety.
