The Steps to Take When You’re Seeking Help with Addiction
Acknowledging an addiction can be challenging, even for those who know in the back of their minds that they need help. Taking the first steps in seeking help with addiction can make it easier to begin treatment, make progress and achieve a healthier life.
Understanding the Signs of Addiction
Many individuals who have drug or alcohol addictions believe that they’re simply heavy users, or could stop at any time. For this reason, the first step in the path to recovery is often just learning more about addiction. Some of the most common signs of a drug or alcohol addiction might include the following:
Withdrawal symptoms that occur when consumption ceases, even temporarily
Cravings for drugs or alcohol that are overwhelming and all consuming
Substance abuse causes relationship, career or finance problems
Tolerance decreases, resulting in increased use or dosage
Attempts at reduction or abstinence aren’t successful
Acknowledging an Addiction
The next step to recovery is acknowledging the addiction. This is such a simple act, but it’s a key part of the process. Once the addiction is verbalized or written down, it’s time to address it.
Decide to Make a Change
Individuals struggling with an addiction are most likely to decide to make a change and seek help with addiction right after acknowledging it.
Deciding to make a change and seek help is so important, because it eliminates the treatment gap on an individual level. The treatment gap is the enormous difference between those who need help for an addiction and those who actually receive the right treatment. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a staggering 88.8 percent of individuals struggling with addiction fall into this treatment gap every year and don’t receive the necessary treatment for recovery.
Seek Support Through a Treatment Center
The next step is seeking help for addiction at a treatment center. Checking in to an addiction treatment center is the most effective way to tackle an addiction and break free from a history of substance abuse. Recovery is made possible through a comprehensive approach that involves cognitive behavioral therapy, group sessions, medication as needed and a variety of alternative physical, nutritional and spiritual therapies. Dual diagnosis treatment is also available to address and treat any mental health issues that might play a role in addiction.
There are a range of treatment centers available. Because of this, it’s important to search for the one that meets all of your needs and provides the appropriate level of care. Some patients prefer the flexibility of outpatient programs, while others benefit most from family-based programs or residential care.
Taking these steps can be a challenge, but the end result means having support, resources and treatment that can help you achieve sobriety. Call Recovery Connection at 866-812-8231 for help finding the right center for your addiction.
The Origin of Adderall and How It Became Addictive
Many don’t know the origin of Adderall and how prescription drugs can cause some of the most dangerous addictions. While they may have legitimate medical benefits, they can be devastating when abused. Adderall addiction is a perfect example.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is the brand name of a prescription drug that combines two stimulants. Adderall is used widely to treat behavioral disorders such as ADD and ADHD. The medicine is designed to increase the amount of dopamine in the brain, helping some patients function better.
Unfortunately, not all Adderall use is prescribed by physicians. Many individuals take Adderall in a recreational capacity, meaning that they don’t actually need it for any medical reason. Instead, individuals take Adderall for its stimulant properties.
Reasons Individuals Abuse Adderall
There are a variety of reasons that individuals abuse Adderall. Some people use Adderall in college to help them focus on schoolwork or stay up longer to study. This is one of the reasons that Adderall use is so common on college campuses. In fact, most college students refer to Adderall as a “study drug.” According to the Medicine Abuse Project, over 31% of college students have used stimulants like Adderall at some point during college.
Some abuse Adderall because they believe that it will suppress their appetite and lead to weight loss. Others use it improperly because they think it’ll give them an edge in athletic performance.
Adderall is also frequently taken with other drugs, or with alcohol, to increase or intensify a high. Some users even take Adderall rather than cocaine, often because they are under the impression that Adderall is somehow healthier or less problematic than street drugs. The reality is that when used improperly and without medical supervision, Adderall is just as dangerous as any other drug.
Adderall Addiction Side Effects
Adderall abuse and addiction can lead to a number of dangerous and unpleasant side effects. Perhaps the worst is the fact that addiction to any drug can lead to broken relationships, career problems, mental health issues or financial ruin. Some of the Adderall addiction side effects can include:
Increased tolerance leading to higher dosage
Extreme fatigue and insomnia
Increased risk of depression
Heart disease and heart palpitations
Violence and increased hostility
Chronic dry mouth
Constipation
Headaches
Potential risk for death from stroke or heart attack
Factors Contributing to Widespread Adderall Addiction
Given the many negative side effects of an Adderall addiction, it’s natural to wonder why so many people still choose to try this drug. A major factor is a lack of understanding of what the drug is and how potent it can be. Many users, particularly young people, think of it as a harmless alternative to “street” drugs.
Another issue is that physicians frequently over-prescribe Adderall and similar stimulants to anyone who describes the symptoms of ADD or ADHD. A complete examination of patients may help doctors to better weed out those who are only looking to use Adderall as a recreational drug or illegally sell it to others.
An Adderall addiction doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Fortunately, with the right treatment at a drug rehab facility, you can transform your life for the better. Let Recovery Connection find you the best possible drug rehab center. Call 866-812-8231 to learn more and begin your journey to recovery.
As Halloween has come and gone, I find myself gearing up for the dreaded Holiday season. Or as some like to call it, The Bermuda Triangle of Holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. I personally didn’t care if it was Columbus Day or Christmas Day, any Holiday was good enough reason for me to drink! Having now been sober for over a decade the Holidays don’t affect me like they once did, however, not too long ago I remember being very tense during my early years of sobriety and how I would be able to manage the Trifecta of Holiday Cheer, without partaking in the alcohol Cheer portion.
I’ve learned to change up my routines during the Holidays, and it’s really not much different than what I do daily to maintain my sobriety and sense of serenity – it all depends on people, places and things for me. As long as I safeguard my habits and who I’m going to be with and where I am, I can manage my sobriety and feel good in doing so.
I wanted to share 5 things I like to do that help me prepare for upcoming parties and gatherings, whether it be at the Office holiday party, your kids’ school gathering, an event with the in-laws or just in your own home at a festive Holiday dinner; these things have proven to be life-savers for me.
1. Bookending the event using phone therapy
During my recovery I’ve met a lot of women and they’ve been a huge support to me during my sobriety. It was difficult at first picking up the 100 pound phone, but the more I did it, the easier it became. If I’m going through something that is making me anxious or if I’m projecting how something might be, I pick up the phone and call either my sponsor or another supportive friend in the program. After I’ve had my few minutes of venting and sharing about what’s going on with me, I can then ask them about their day and get out of myself for a few minutes. It’s kind of like a mini meeting. I usually talk to at least two women per day about what’s going on with me and vice versa, and it has been, and continues to be, a life saver for me. A few years ago I wanted to drink. I was having a very bad time in my life and I just said, “F*&K this noise – I wanna drink”. I called my sober bestie told her how I was doing and she dropped everything and came right over and took me out for coffee. I didn’t drink that day. The colossal problem I had at the time took care of itself and I didn’t need to drink over it – because I called someone.
2. Meetings
I came to my first AA meeting to get a court card signed for my 2nd DUI. I didn’t go there because I wanted to. However, I kept coming back and very early on in my recovery I liked going to meetings. They spoke my language. They understood me and they didn’t make me feel like I didn’t belong. I found my tribe in AA. My closest friends and confidantes are all in AA. I met my husband at an AA meeting (not sure I would recommend that – but that’s a whole other conversation). In moving around a lot in sobriety I’ve been able to walk into any meeting in any part of the country and feel “at home” as we like to say. It’s an integral and sustaining part of my recovery and I’m forever grateful to the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous.
3. Driving myself and having an exit strategy
This has proven to be such a life boat for me as there have been times when I’ve been stuck at some function or party and didn’t have a way to leave. It was uncomfortable as the person I was with drinking and having a grand ole time. Not me. After an hour or so at most functions where drinking is involved, I’m usually ready to leave. I’ve made my appearance, done my social rounds and connected with those I needed to connect with. As soon as I start hearing someone else’s story for a second time or I see their eyes gloss over I know I’m done and ready to get home in my sanctuary of peace and comfort. I highly recommend driving solo, you’ll be glad you did when you snuggle into bed sober and safe.
4. Having my “Mocktail”
This has proven to be one of the most important tools in keeping me comfortable in my own skin, as well as insuring I won’t pick up someone else’s drink. Having my own drink of choice; whether it’s a sparkling water with a lime, a diet coke and lemon or an Arnold Palmer, I always have my own beverage and I always know where it is (usually in my hand). Case in point; in early sobriety I was at a family Christmas gathering and I was drinking sparkling water. Seemed easy enough at the time, and during the early evening as I was helping around in the kitchen, I turned and grabbed my beverage, and took a sip! GASP! It wasn’t my beverage it was someone else’s vodka and tonic. I was freaked out and had to leave the room. As soon as I realized what occurred I ran outside to have a cigarette. This helped in getting the taste out of my mouth as I don’t recommend smoking by any means, but it’s what worked for me at that moment. A piece of gum, a life saver or any edible item would also suffice. I then proceeded to put my drink in another glass, that didn’t look like a highball, something to make sure I know its mine. Having an accidental sip is just that; an accident. Now when I’m at a function, I know where my drink is at all times and I try to make sure I have a differentiator with the glass or add a straw – because god forbid any of the drinkers take an accidental sip of my mocktail, they’d be so confused!
5. Being of service to others
Being of service to me is more than just helping make coffee at a meeting or calling a newcomer – it’s being of service to all people that I come into contact with . Whether it’s the grocery clerk or my work colleagues, it’s all about giving back and getting out of myself. A couple years ago I was at a Holiday party with my company and there was going to be a decent amount of drinking involved, and so I was able to offer my services as the designated driver to some. No one asked too many questions and it was a way to give back and not just think of what I could gain from the event, but what I could contribute. I find that when I’m in that type of mindset, I’m not wanting to pick up a drink. And hopefully I can be a help to others and possibly save someone from driving home drunk that evening.
These 5 easy methods are by no means the only way to stay sober and safe this Holiday season, but they sure make it easier for me. The more Holiday trifecta’s I go through sober, the easier it becomes.
