Reaching out for Help When With Addiction

One of the hardest parts of overcoming addiction can be reaching out for help. Many people experiencing addiction don’t know how to tell others about their struggles; there are numerous reasons for this.

Some people are embarrassed to tell loved ones about the problems they’re having. Others are in denial about the severity of their problem. Some just don’t know how to articulate how they’re feeling.  Regardless of how difficult it is, getting help for addiction is an essential first step in recovery.

Importance of Getting Help Right Away

It’s never a good idea to procrastinate from seeking help for addiction as it’s a progressive disease. Drug addiction and substance abuse tend to snowball and become more significant and problematic as time goes on. No one wakes up one day randomly and is a full-blown alcoholic or drug addict. The sooner you get help, the sooner you’ll get your life back. 

Recognizing Signs That You Need Help

In order to get help with your addiction, you first have to establish that you are suffering from substance abuse. Below are four common signs of addiction to look out for in yourself: 

  • Obsessive thoughts about drugs or alcohol
  • Lost interest in previously enjoyed activities
  • Declining health
  • Difficulty sustaining relationships with friends or family

Of course the list above is not an exhaustive list of signs of addiction. Substance abuse can take shape in many forms depending on the severity of your addiction and types of substances you’re abusing. Always consult a healthcare professional when seeking help for your physical and mental health. A good rule of thumb with addiction though is: if you have to question whether or not you have a substance abuse issue, you probably do. 

Tips for Getting Help

Once you have recognized that you do indeed suffer from addiction and substance abuse, the next step to getting better is seeking addiction treatment. Asking for the help you need can provide you with a great deal of relief. It will also get the most important people in your life on board in efforts to overcome the problem.

So, how do you get help with addiction? 

Identify the best person to talk to

Deciding who the best person to confide in about an addiction problems is important. You want to discuss substance abuse issues and the need for addiction treatment with someone who’s going to be supportive and positive. 

Write a letter

A lot of people dealing with drug abuse struggle to talk about their situation openly. You might at first want to bring the issue up with a loved one, but then you might find yourself repeatedly backing down.

If this is the case, consider the benefits of writing about your current struggle in a letter. Writing a letter gives you the chance to make sure that you’ve included all the details you need to before you send out this letter to seek help. If you find writing easier than talking about your drug addiction problem, this might be the best way to ask for help. 

Let your healthcare provider know

In addition to talking about what you’re going through with loved ones, you should also discuss addiction with a doctor. Your doctor needs to know if you’ve been consuming excessive amounts of drugs or alcohol lately.

Your doctor should also be aware of any conditions you’re suffering from that could be aggravated by substance abuse. He or she can, therefore, recommend any precautions you need to take to protect your health during this difficult time. 

Explore resources

There are fortunately many addiction resources available to help those who are dealing with substance abuse. Explore available resources on the Internet and at your doctor’s office. Take advantage of resources like counseling so that you take a proactive approach to recovery.

Take Advantage of Addiction Treatment Solutions

Having someone to talk to is important in overcoming addiction. Recovery resources like True Help Network are extremely valuable. By giving us a call, you’ll be connected with an addiction specialist who can help you get started on your recovery journey. Give us a call today to see how we can help you find the best possible addiction treatment! 

Southern California Sober Activities

Overcoming addiction is a difficult but ultimately lifesaving and rewarding process. For millions of people struggling with addiction or recovery from addiction, it can be hard to find fun activities to occupy your time. Finding activities that do not involve drugs and alcohol is crucial to recovery. Knowing a few different activities can help you to determine what you want to do, and can help you on your road to ultimate recovery.

Why Being Active Is Important in Sobriety

Being active is one of the most important elements when it comes to maintaining your sobriety. Hanging out with the people that you used to surround yourself with while getting high can be a slippery slope, one that often leads to relapse. Taking the time to keep your mind and body busy can truly make a difference in the overall success of your sobriety, and can help you to stay on the right track no matter what.

When it comes to both physical and social activity following sobriety in Southern California, it is important to not only find things you like to do and that you want to do but to also to find activities that are going to keep you away from the things that might lead to relapse. Staying away from temptation is as important as staying away from those people and situations that caused you to use drugs or alcohol in the first place.

Trampoline and Indoor Parks

One fun activity to do in sobriety is to find an indoor trampoline park like Sky Zone. Sky Zone and similar indoor parks offer trampolines, rock climbing, dodgeball, single participant sports, and even multiple participant sports as well.

Trampoline parks are a great way to help burn off extra energy that can often lead to people using again when they are bored or when they have too much time to think. It is also a fun and easy way to get some great exercise and to just get the blood pumping. Trampoline parks are a great way to spend time with family and friends, away from the distraction and possible relapse that can come from being alone, or from hanging out with people that you hung out with before you got sober.

Amusement Parks

If you are not an indoor person, or if you simply feel like something like a trampoline park is not for you, going outside can also be a great distraction and Southern California is absolutely gorgeous and has plenty to offer. Amusement parks like Disneyland, Six Flags, and Universal Studios, are all wonderful for getting out and spending some time in the sun while having a great time.

Theme parks can be a fantastic way to spend your day and to just have some fun and forget about your worries. It can also help you go back to childhood perhaps, and to more carefree times. 

The Great Outdoors

Yet another way to have fun in sobriety taking advantage of the beautiful Southern California weather and natural elements that the landscape has to offer. Going to places like the Bridge to Nowhere or the Devil’s Punchbowl, along with any number of other fantastic parks and naturally occurring elements, can be super therapeutic. You’ll be able to marvel at the beauty of your surroundings.

Hiking nature trails are a great way to clear your head. Hiking is fun to do with family and friends or alone. Physical activity is a great way to stay sober, have fun, and get healthy. 

Family & Friends and Life in Recovery

Often when people begin their road to sobriety, they have to cut ties with the people they would use drugs or alcohol with. For those connections that you do keep, making sure to keep them healthy is important. Spending time with family and friends that are aware of your sober journey, and that want to help encourage you, can be great motivation. Going to the beach, going to see a movie, or just spending time with those that love you and those that want you to succeed is a way to have fun. 

Addiction Treatment Solutions Is Here For You

Addiction recovery is an impressive feat and taking the time to find fun things in sobriety will make a big difference in your overall recovery. Addiction Treatment Solutions is a free concierge service in the addiction treatment industry. We effectively match struggling addicts to addiction treatment. Reach out to us today to start your recovery journey!