Stop the Chaos: Recover from Addiction and Gain Control of Your Life
Stop the Chaos: Recover from Addiction and Gain Control of Your Life
Does your brain ever tell you one thing but you end up doing something different? Almost all people who suffer from addiction struggle with this experience. The statement often sounds like, “this is the last time I will ever use….” and the promise that you made ends up broken. Addiction is referred to as a progressive disease that worsens over time. Our lives have spun out of control as a result of the growing addiction. The result of these broken jackpot promises contributes to the loss of jobs, relationships, health and general well being. We often experience an increase in:
- Fights with our loved ones
- Tardiness or increasing absences from work
- Arrests due to substance use
- Depletion of our savings
- Spiritual neglect
- Neglect of our health
Deceiving Ourselves
The concept of powerlessness goes against human nature. We like to believe that we are in control and to some extent we are. However, when our lives become unmanageable through the use of drugs and/or alcohol we have trouble seeking or admitting that we need help. Excuses we make to ourselves and to others are:
- I’ve got this under control
- I don’t need help
- I am overwhelmed, I have so much going on now
- I just need to restructure my time
- I have to stop hanging out with those type of people
- Next weekend will be different
- I don’t need treatment
We never plan on becoming addicted to any thing, but the progression of addiction creates chaos in everyone’s life. Our denial of our using habits does not diminish the truth of the chaos fostered by our addictive behavior. We will often begin to push loved ones away who challenge our use of substances.
How Others View of Us
There is a difference between what we do daily and what we say we do. Soon people become aware of the truth. They grow concerned and question us. Because we are addicted, the thought of stopping is terrifying. This dynamic creates tension and stress between family members, friends, and employers and employees. Despite our protests, the image we present to the world is quite different and creates confusion and anxiety for others. To them we may appear:
- Tired all the time
- Irritable
- Depressed
- Exhibit changes in eating habits
- Excessive sleeping
- Argumentative
- Exhibit change in energy
- Mood Swings
- Blood shot eyes
- Change in personal hygiene habits
We may argue that these changes are due to stress over looking that substance abuse alters our body and brain function and contributes to our daily stress
Do I have a problem?
After reading about jackpot promises, lying to ourselves and the mixed message we present to others, how do you know if you need treatment? Self assessment tests can be used as an initial screening tools for alcohol problems . Here is a commonly used test known as the CAGE:
- C – Have you ever felt you needed to Cut down on your drinking?
- A – Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- G – Have you ever felt Guilty about drinking?
- E – Have you ever felt you needed a drink first think in the morning (Eye-opener) to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?
Self assessment tests for drugs problems may include such questions as:
- Do you ever use alone?
- Do you regularly use a drug when you wake up or when you go to bed?
- Have you lied about how much you use?
- Have you ever tried to stop and control your using?
Admitting that you need help is the first step to changing your situation and giving yourself other options to overcome and break the cycle of addiction.
So Now What?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions the truth is that you may have a problem with substances. Despite what loved ones and friends may say, you have to be the one who decides to make a change. Change is not easy and sometimes assistance from others who understand addiction can make it easier to take the next step and get help.
Benefits of Treatment
Allowing someone to help you is extremely courageous. This is the first step to making positive changes in your life. Making the first phone call to a Recovery Connection coordinator provides you with a sense of understanding and warmth. These staff members are specially trained to answer all your addiction questions and many are in recovery. They understand your dilemma. Understanding, warmth and confidentiality will follow you throughout your experience of getting help. Upon entering a quality addiction treatment facility, you will realize that you have a safe place to stop using, understand your addiction and the underlying causes while building self-esteem, confidence and self-worth. Reclaim your life, stop the chaos, halt the progression of the disease and call now 866-812-8231.
