Addiction to alcohol and other drugs can impact a person in any walk of life. What people often underestimate is the complexity of alcohol and/or drug addiction - that it is a disease which impacts the brain and because of that, stopping alcohol and/or drug abuse is not simply a matter of willpower.
There are many different options for those suffering from the disease of addiction, but how do you know if you or someone you care about should seek professional help for a drug or alcohol problem?
Addiction or substance dependence is a pattern of substance use that leads to significant impairment or distress in a person's life. The following is a list of signs that indicate a problem with alcohol or drugs.
• Tolerance - While many people pride themselves on being able to drink or use more than other people, tolerance is an early sign of potential addiction. If you need more alcohol to get drunk, or if the same amount of marijuana has less of an effect on you, it is time to change your substance use patterns.
• Withdrawal - There are many signs of withdrawal from alcohol or other drugs including shaky hands, rapid heart beat, inability to sleep, restlessness, or hallucinations. Nausea and vomiting are also part of the withdrawal process.
• Lack of Control - If you drink or use more than you intended to or for a longer time than you intended, you should carefully examine your substance use behaviors. When you can't control how much you consume after you have started, you have a problem with alcohol or other drugs.
• Can't Stop Drinking/Using - If you try to quit on your own and cannot seem to, you are at risk of becoming addicted.
• Time with Alcohol/Drugs - Alcoholics spend a lot of time drinking and drug addicts spend a lot of time using drugs. However, it is also important to add in the time spent in activities necessary to get alcohol/drugs and to recover from their effects. If you, or someone you know, spends the weekend looking for alcohol, drinking it, and recovering from a hangover, they could have a problem.
• Replacing Other Things with Alcohol/Drugs - When someone gives up important social or school activities so that they can drink or use more this could be a sign of addiction. The same is true for someone who decides, or is forced, to quit a sports event or a job because their substance use is impacting their performance.
• Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences - Most people will stop drinking or using drugs if they suffer negative consequences. An alcoholic or drug addict will continue to use even when they know that their behaviors could cause more problems for them in their relationships, the schoolwork, or with the law.
An unhealthy relationship with alcohol and other drugs can have far reaching effects in many areas of life, including relationships with family and friends, school or work, finances, legal issues, and physical or emotional health. If you or someone you know is concerned about their drinking or drug use, please consider seeking professional help.
The Ranch at Dove Tree can help you find the treatment program that is right for you. There is hope for those who struggle with alcohol or other substances, the Ranch at Dove Tree working together for recovery with a collaboration with the Center for the Study of Addiction and Recovery at Texas Tech University remains in service to your needs.
For more information about a complementary assessment, treatment options (detox, residential, outpatient or transitional sober living), and to get help for alcohol and/or drug issues, please contact The Ranch at Dove Tree admission's team toll free at 1-800-218-6727 or online at www.RanchatDoveTree.com. The experienced staff will be happy to assist you with any questions. Private pay or most insurance plans accepted.