Admitting that you have a substance abuse disorder is difficult, but it’s also the only way to find a way forward. Once you’ve accepted the reality of your situation, take these steps to regain control of your life.
Speak With a Professional
Although substance abuse seems like a personal topic, it’s too complicated to handle on your own. Modern medicine has revealed that addiction involves a chemical imbalance in your brain, not a choice, so you need your doctor’s help to work through it. If your life is in danger due to an overdose or an accidental mixture of substances, call 911. Otherwise, seek out long-term medical care, preferably from a service that offers dual diagnosis. Frequently, people who abuse drugs and other illegal substances are attempting to address a mental health issue. Ask your doctor to refer you to a psychiatrist so you can learn if you have one of these conditions:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
All of these conditions can be addressed at the therapy sessions when you work through your substance abuse challenges.
Find Long-Term Care
Speaking with your doctor and attending therapy sessions are both important, but to truly break free from your current life, you need to find full-time care. Look for rehabilitation houses in your area or ask your primary care physician for advice. Rehabilitation facilities offer the following services:
- Counseling
- Detox programs
- Support groups
- Family therapy
- Career guidance
- Recreational activities
Check with your insurance provider to see which programs are covered and find one that fits your needs. For example, if you need to be completely separated from your environment to work through your addiction, sign up for a residential program. If you just need to attend meetings a few days a week, choose an outpatient program. Most rehabilitation facilities continue to offer support groups after you complete your initial program, so you’re guaranteed to find long-term help.
Decide on Your Next Steps
Now that you’ve begun to address your illness and separated yourself from any triggers, you must think about your next steps. Is your home too triggering to return to, or can you move back into your old area? Do you have any family-related concerns? For example, some people have to step away from their families because relatives enable or encourage their addictions. Start thinking about these issues as soon as you are ready, and ask your therapist or another mentor for guidance. That way, you can have a plan memorized before you leave rehab.
Another part of your future to consider is your career. Did your previous jobs feed into your addiction, or did they provide healthily-stimulating environments? Perhaps you want to try a new career now that you’re at a new place in your life. Talk to the career counselors at your rehab facility about possible career paths, and think about the strengths you might use in a new career. For example, if you like talking to other people about their problems, choose a job that lets you work with people in challenging situations. Consider using your struggle with substance abuse to help other people by working towards one of these career goals:
- Nurse
- Doctor
- Therapist
- Educator
- Motivational speaker
No matter which career you decide to pursue, make sure it’s one that keeps you occupied and allows you to have goals.
When you first admit to yourself that you have a problem with substance abuse, you may feel like there’s no hope. However, thanks to modern medicine and many helpful opportunities, you can use this moment as a chance to restart your life and find success in the future.
