9 Signs You Need Addiction Treatment Right Away

Withdrawal symptoms, increased tolerance, inability to stop, using more than intended, engaging in risky behavior, co-occurring mental and physical health problems, neglecting daily responsibilities, and continuing to use despite consequences are all signs you need addiction treatment right away. This article explains more about those signs and how to get the help you need.

Key Takeaways

• Substance use disorders go largely untreated. Part of the problem may be that people don’t realize they need help.
• There are signs that tell you treatment is necessary, including worsening mental and physical health conditions, neglecting daily responsibilities, engaging in risky behavior, withdrawal symptoms, increased tolerance, using more than intended, and an inability to stop.
• Treatment typically entails detox, rehab, and aftercare to support long-term recovery.

Table of Contents

• How Do You Read the Signs That a Substance Use Disorder Is Getting Out of Control
• What are the Signs That You Need Help?
• What Does Treatment Look Like?
• Get the Help You Need at Futures Recovery Healthcare
• FAQs

Introduction

SAMHSA statistics show 80% of people with drug or alcohol addiction don’t get the help they need. Part of it can be attributed to not realizing they have a problem. Some individuals don’t see the warning signs or deny their severity.

However, it’s imperative to take a good, hard look at yourself and realize you need help before it’s too late. Not doing so can be detrimental to yourself and the people you love. This article will outline nine signs to look for, bringing the reality closer to home.

How Do You Read the Signs That a Substance Use Disorder Is Getting Out of Control?

Addiction is not subjective. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders provides 11 standard criteria to diagnose substance abuse and mental health disorders. These criteria can be divided into four categories, as follows:

• Impaired control (using more than intended, failed attempts to cut back, cravings, time spent using/recovering)
• Social impairment (failure to meet obligations, interpersonal problems, giving up activities)
• Risky use (use in hazardous situations, continued use despite consequences)
• Pharmacological criteria (tolerance, withdrawal)

Severity is determined by how many criteria are met:

• Mild: 2–3 criteria
• Moderate: 4–5 criteria
• Severe: 6 or more

But even if you meet one of these criteria, it could be time to seek treatment. Addiction spirals out of control quickly, and the sooner you treat it, the easier treatment will be and the less harm you will do to yourself and others.

What are the Signs That You Need Help?

Various signs indicate you need help, such as withdrawal symptoms, rising tolerance, failed attempts to quit, using more than intended, neglecting responsibilities, using despite consequences, risky use patterns, co-occurring mental disorders, and physical red flags. The following sections go into detail on the symptoms of drug abuse, so you know when to reach out for treatment.

Sign 1: Withdrawal Symptoms- Is Feeling Sick Without a Substance a Warning Sign?

Yes, feeling sick without a substance (withdrawal symptoms) is a sign you need help with drug or alcohol addiction.

Different drugs affect the body in different ways, but most imbalance chemicals and neurotransmitters, and with chronic use, you adjust to a new normal. When substances are not active in your system, you feel sick, experiencing withdrawal symptoms like digestive issues, headaches, mood swings, and an elevated heart rate. Addiction treatment programs can help you break this cycle

Sign 2: Rising Tolerance: Why Do You Need More of the Substance to Feel the Same Effect?

After using drugs for some time, your body increases tolerance, needing more substances to feel the same effect. If people using prescription drugs can’t get higher doses from their doctor, they may turn to street drugs, which are not regulated and could be dangerous. Additionally, increased consumption of drugs is bad for your system and increases the risk of overdose.

Sign 3: Failed Attempts to Quit: Why Is Quitting Harder Than It Should Be?

Many people who use drugs recognize they are doing harm and try to quit, but they are unable to for various reasons. It could be withdrawal symptoms, denial, stigmas, or maybe drug use becomes part of their identity. Regardless of the reason, this shows that drugs are now in control of your life, and you need substance abuse treatment.

Sign 4: Using More Than Intended: Why Do You Keep Using More Than You Planned?

Many people will try to control their drug or alcohol use. They’ll go to a party and promise themselves they’ll have ‘just one drink’ or take ‘just one pill’. But they inevitably find themselves doing more than they intended because of how drugs rewire the brain’s reward center, motivation, and decision-making functions.

This is another sign that the drugs are in the driver’s seat, and you need help sooner rather than later.

Sign 5: Neglecting Responsibilities: What Is Substance Abuse Costing You in Real Life

You miss work because you’re hungover. You don’t show up for your cousin’s wedding because you stopped at the bar first and had more drinks than you intended. You completely missed a deadline or forgot to pick up your kids at school because your brain is clouded by drugs and alcohol.

When substances start taking priority over your work and family, it’s already gone too far.

Sign 6: Risky Use Patterns: When Does Using Become Genuinely Dangerous?

Using drugs is always dangerous, but when you notice risky behavior, like:

• Drunk driving
• Unprotected sex
• Buying from unknown dealers
• Walking in unsafe areas to get drugs
• Mixing drugs
• Sharing needles
• Stealing to get drugs
• Selling drugs

it’s time to pull the brakes.

Sign 7: Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders: How Are Addiction and Mental Health Connected?

SAMHSA research reveals 20.4 million people had co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in 2023. People use drugs to deal with emotional symptoms. While substances may provide temporary relief, they increase emotional dysregulation in the long run and cause other problems that add to stress, anxiety, and depression.

If you notice you are beginning to develop symptoms of an emotional disorder, or if existing symptoms are getting worse, don’t hesitate to contact a treatment program. Most are staffed with substance abuse and mental health professionals who can provide a dual diagnosis approach.

Sign 8: Physical Red Flags: What Is Your Body Trying to Tell You?

Drug addiction takes a physical toll on the body. It causes malnutrition and impacts every vital organ, increasing the risk of heart disease, cancer, liver conditions, and much more. It’s best to address these issues before they get worse, with a combination of physical and mental health care.

Sign 9: Using Despite Consequences: Why Do You Use When It’s Hurting You?

Health conditions, legal issues, the toll on your work and family, injuries- these are just some of the consequences of drug abuse. You see the signs, but you’re unable to stop. This is when you know a mild substance use disorder is turning into a severe disorder, and you can’t put off care any longer.

What Does Treatment Look Like?

Treatment typically involves detox, rehab, and aftercare. Here’s what you can expect when you enter a recovery program:

• Detox: This is often the first and most difficult part of the recovery journey, as you will experience withdrawal symptoms that range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. Clinicians typically take a medically assisted approach to minimize symptoms and cravings and reduce the risk of complications.
• Rehab: Once clients stabilize, they move on to therapy to address mental health conditions that may contribute to addiction. Various evidence-based methods are used, such as motivational enhancement therapy, experiential therapy, contingency management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.
• Aftercare: Clinicians understand recovery isn’t achieved the moment you complete the initial stages of treatment- it’s a lifelong process. They continue to provide support with resources, check-ins, and alumni services.

Get the Help You Need at Futures Recovery Healthcare

Don’t let a substance use disorder control your life. Get the help you need before it gets out of control at Futures Recovery Healthcare’s luxury facility in Tequesta, Florida. We offer a range of programs to ensure a personalized approach. All care is provided by highly regarded professionals in a soothing environment with a mix of evidence-based and holistic approaches.

Contact us to start your healing journey today.

FAQs

How do I know if I need addiction treatment or if I can stop on my own?

The best way to tell is to try to stop. If you have attempted to stop or cut back on substance use on your own and have been unsuccessful, it may be time for professional help.

What counts as a medical emergency for substance use?

Medical emergencies for substance use include overdose, seizures, and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you are with is experiencing these symptoms, call emergency services right away.

How do I talk to a family member who I think needs treatment?

The best way to talk to a family member who you think needs treatment is to take a nonjudgmental approach. Explain that you want them to get help because you care about them. Have the discussion at a rational time- not in the middle of an argument. If they refuse help, continue bringing up the subject when appropriate.

Is it safe to detox at home?

While you can detox at home for mild use, it’s best to get help for more serious addictions. Withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, requiring professional oversight. Additionally, a professional treatment center will help with preventing relapse and oversee the transition to rehab.

Can you have addiction without physical withdrawal symptoms?

Yes, you can have addiction without physical withdrawal symptoms. For many people, addiction is psychological at first. It is best to handle it at this stage, before withdrawal sets in, and consequences become more severe and addiction becomes harder to treat.

Sources

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