Admitting there’s a problem is a good step, but you can’t leave it at that. If you’re dealing with an addiction, you need to seek help beyond yourself. The reality, though, is that for many people, rehab is an option outside of their budget.
A lot of people think they can deal with it on their own, and for some people, that’s true. There are different levels of addiction and the further you are into the addiction spiral, the harder it will be to do it without professional help.
So, the first step is to determine whether you’re dealing with an addiction or a substance abuse problem.
Addiction Versus Substance Abuse
A lot of people use these terms interchangeably, but though they’re related, they’re not the same.
An addiction seriously impacts the way you recover and dealing with an addiction is difficult to handle on your own.
Substance abuse is using a substance excessively or in an unintended manner. It could start with using prescribed painkillers longer than necessary after an injury or surgery. It could also be relying on alcohol when you’re dealing with high stress. Substance abuse doesn’t mean you’re addicted. Addiction comes in when you become dependent on the substance.
On its own, you will find addiction listed in the DSM-V as a chronic mental illness. You are unable to control your habits because of the cravings or as a result of withdrawal symptoms.
So, if you are or know someone who enjoys drinking a lot or using recreational drugs, you aren’t necessarily addicted. If you’re not addicted, you will have an easier time kicking the habit because there isn’t a psychological or physical dependency.
If, however, you experience withdrawal symptoms, either physical or emotional, when not taking a substance, it’s a good indication that you have developed a dependency. That makes recovery on your own a difficult prospect because the withdrawal symptoms can be challenging to manage.
Recovery
If you’re dealing with an addiction, there are several factors that impact your path to recovery.
Not only are some substances easier to quit than others, but your length of use can also be a factor.
For example, if you have been using alcohol, heroin, or benzodiazepines, you will likely deal with several withdrawal symptoms that should be medically assisted. In severe addiction, suddenly quitting can lead to convulsions, hallucinations, or death. The longer you rely on a substance, the harder it is to quit.
There are other recovery factors to consider, and a big one is the underlying cause of your use in the first place. Some people have psychological issues they’ve been self-medicating, and some people develop an addiction from continuing use of painkillers long after their injury has healed. Recovery is harder if you don’t find and resolve the root cause.
Natural recovery is deciding to quit and then doing it without treatment, support, or meetings. A lot of people try this first before realizing they’re beyond that. To repeat, sudden withdrawal can result in death from profound addictions.
Self-help is a route that includes mutual support groups or 12-step programs, as well as turning to family for support.
You can seek outpatient treatment that is less intense than other options. It involves regular therapy and day treatment while you maintain your daily life.
Then, there’s residential rehab. This, of course, is the most intense option and can last from four weeks up to six. With residential rehab, you’re living at a treatment center, attending counseling sessions, and completing a medically supervised treatment schedule. This is generally the best solution for someone struggling to quit on their own.
Seeking Professional Help
If you don’t experience withdrawal symptoms when not taking a substance, you should be able to self-help your way to sobriety. However, you can’t simply quit cold turkey if you have been using alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opiates without professional support.
The withdrawal process is long and unpleasant, and often a substitute prescription is a must to manage the process.
To seek professional support, start with your doctor. Your doctor can advise you on the next steps, whether a residential rehab is out of your budget or not. They can provide you with the necessary resources and take you through your options.