How to Tell if You Need Drug Rehab

In the case of drug and alcohol addiction, it can be difficult to step back from ourselves and view our situation objectively. If you believe you might have a problem with drugs or alcohol or have been asked by family and friends to seek help, you may want to consider whether the following signs of addiction apply to yourself and your situation. If any of these symptoms apply to you, we strongly urge you to consider entering a drug rehabilitation program like Promises Treatment Centers.

1. Withdrawal Symptoms. If you experience withdrawal symptoms after you stop taking a drug or drinking alcohol, you need to seek medical treatment immediately. Withdrawal symptoms vary with different substances, but they can include nausea and vomiting, headaches, mood swings, blurred vision, insomnia, shaking and tremors, anxiety and depression, irritability, diarrhea, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and more. In more severe situations, withdrawal symptoms can include seizures, respiratory depression, heart failure, coma, and even death. If you are addicted to opiate painkillers like Vicodin or OxyContin, you must never withdraw suddenly as withdrawal symptoms can be very severe. It is imperative that you are medically supervised during the withdrawal process from opiates.
2. Increasing Health Problems. Have you have been experiencing worsening health problems since you started using? Certain drugs and alcohol can cause liver and heart damage, cancer, memory loss, heart disease, brain damage, skin and dental problems, sexual performance problems, psychological problems such as psychosis and schizophrenia, and more. If your doctor has told you that you need to stop taking drugs or drinking for the sake of your health, you should seek treatment.
3. Loss of Job, Relationships, Money, etc. Have you lost your job or had your spouse or partner leave you because of your using? Substance abuse puts a large strain on relationships and can cause friends and family members to cut you out of their life. In addition, drug and alcohol abuse can lead to late nights and terrible hangovers that can make you late for work or miss work altogether, which could result in being fired. If you’re using on the job, the quality of your work will suffer and your co-workers and employer will notice. Substance abuse can also cost a great deal of money, and you may find that you’ve spent thousands of dollars on your habit.
4. Continual Relapse. Have you tried to quit on your own but found yourself returning to your drug of choice in a matter of days or hours? Do you make excuses for your relapses such as “It was just once” or “It was a special occasion”? If you’re addicted, quitting drugs and alcohol by yourself is often impossible, and for many people, drug rehab and continuing care is the only thing that will save them.