According to the National Institute of Health, 10% of the United States adult population will struggle with a substance abuse disorder at some point. What’s more, 75% of that group will never find help.
That’s a startling statistic, to be sure. But that doesn’t have to be your story.
Whether you’re struggling with drug and alcohol addiction or you know someone who is, take a few minutes to learn about the treatment options available.
Enroll in a Treatment Program
By far, the most effective way to battle addiction is to attend an in-patient treatment program. But why an in-patient program, specifically?
Namely for the medical supervision that in-patient care provides. The first few days of sobriety are among the most harrowing — and the most dangerous.
That’s because addiction chemically alters your brain. Substances like drugs and alcohol release dopamine, which is the chemical responsible for feelings like happiness and euphoria.
When the receptors in your brain stop receiving the signals to release these chemicals, it can send the body into a state of shock. That’s why withdrawal symptoms tend to be so severe and dangerous.
Having a medical professional to oversee the withdrawal process can prevent a myriad of issues including relapse and death.
You can learn about your options by calling the drug and alcohol addiction hotline at 1-800-662-4357 or by contacting a facility, such as Harrishousestl.org, directly.
Find Support Among Your Loved Ones
Sobriety isn’t something that one can tackle alone, no matter how strong they may be.
Having a great group of friends and family on your side can make the toughest days a bit easier.
And if you don’t have a close group of friends or you’re not in contact with your family, consider attending a local support group. It’s a great opportunity to learn from those a bit further in their journey. Plus, seeing that others are going through the same thing can instill a sense of camaraderie.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
As society starts to reframe addiction as a disease, it’s crucial that you treat it as such. Since it’s an invisible illness and can take root in a variety of causes from genetics to trauma, you’ll have to find a course of treatment just as you would if you were struggling with diabetes or cancer.
What’s more, addiction and mental health disorders tend to be co-occurring disorders, meaning you can’t treat one without acknowledging and treating the other.
With the help of a mental healthcare professional, you can better understand the causes of your addiction and find ways to cope and adjust to a sober lifestyle.
Take the First Step Toward Conquering Drug and Alcohol Addiction Today
Congratulations on wanting to change your life for the better. Drug and alcohol addiction is a serious matter, but with the right treatment strategy, you can live a happy, fulfilling, and sober life.
For more tips on maintaining sobriety and taking care of your health, be sure to check out the other content in our health and fitness section.