Making the decision to seek treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is both a challenging and liberating choice. The road to freedom in sobriety begins with knowing whether or not you have a problem. This serves as a great foundation for your journey toward living a sober life.
Steps to Succeeding with Sobriety
While it can seem overwhelming to imagine finding success after experiencing addiction, the truth is there are steps you can take to find success in the process.
The first step is knowing that it is indeed a process and not something to be done overnight or with a so-called ‘easy button’. Overcoming addiction is a matter of one day after another making the choice to work through the treatment and grow stronger in a healthier life. Trying to find shortcuts to get you through will only leave you frustrated and possibly feeling like you’ve failed.
Another step for finding long-term success when overcoming drug or alcohol addiction is admitting that you have a problem and being willing to ask (and receive) the necessary help. This can be difficult for many people, as it can feel like a failure to admit that you no longer have control over your own life.
Asking for help is a sign of strength. Finding a qualified facility (such as Beachside Rehab) to receive treatment for your drug and alcohol rehabilitation will ensure you have a team of professional, caring people to support you in making positive changes for a better future.
Getting sober also requires the step of making changes. Involving practical things like who you spend time with, where you hang out, how you spend your time, this step toward success over addiction is putting one foot in front of the other. It can feel exhausting but ultimately, with each good decision you make, should help motivate you to keep moving forward.
Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
Whatever substance you find yourself addicted to, there are many classic signs and symptoms you may exhibit. As you take a step toward sobriety, do a self-inventory to see if any of these are familiar:
- Being Out of Control: If you are using substances and find yourself unable to put a stop to it – even when you vow not to continue making those choices – this shows a lack of control and in fact indicates that the drugs or alcohol limit you to a life of addiction.
- Ignoring Responsibilities/Activities: Not participating in activities you once enjoyed (such as work, family, and social activities) is a sign that your focus is being consumed by the addiction.
- Taking Risks: People with an addiction often ignore potential dangers in situations, to get the high they crave at any cost.
- Change of Relationships: Many people who struggle with addictions to drugs and alcohol find that even lifelong relationships are in jeopardy. If you realize that friendships you once held as special are now disintegrating and instead you are surrounded by others with addictions, consider this a warning sign.
- Keeping Secrets: Going along with relationship problems, many addicts will resort to sneaky behavior – hiding their addictive choices with lies and covering their tracks to prolong the charade that all is well.
- Appearance Changes: Many times, people with chronic addictions to drugs and alcohol will notice a marked difference in how they look physically. This can be anything from weight loss or gain, the condition of the skin (oily, sores, etc), hair loss, cleanliness, and more.
- Isolation: People who are addicted may feel ashamed of their behavior, which often leads to completely pulling away from other people. If you notice that you seem to have withdrawn from people, consider your life and whether you may need to seek treatment to help you heal and move forward.
The Next Step
Whether you have been using drugs or alcohol for months or years, addictions can seem like an unbreakable trap. The truth though is that you can take the necessary steps and regain control over your life. Check the signs and symptoms to determine if you have an addiction, be prepared to ask for help, and seek treatment. You are worth every step in the journey to successful sobriety.
