Watching a loved one go through substance addiction can be incredibly difficult, and our natural instinct is to want to help.
Accessing addiction treatment can be confusing at first, as there are so many different types of therapy, and there doesn’t seem to be a definitive answer as to whether one is more effective than another.
Speaking with an addiction specialist is an excellent first step when seeking treatment for yourself or on behalf of a loved one.
Many of the signs of addiction overlap with symptoms of different physical and mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
The key factors to look out for when gauging whether you or a loved one are developing an addiction are changing in behaviour and mood.
These are likely to develop over time, and so you may become accustomed to them before you notice a problem.
Signs and symptoms of a substance addiction include:
This is not a definitive list, as substance abuse affects everyone differently. Some people also develop unusually high tolerances and are able to function normally even when intoxicated.
In such cases, signs might not be obvious until they stop abusing a certain substance and begin to display withdrawal symptoms.
Signs of drug and alcohol withdrawal include:
Stopping all substance use at once might sound like an easy way to kick-start recovery, but it is actually very dangerous.
Suddenly stopping the intake of a particular substance, after relying on it for a while, upsets body chemistry and can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. If not properly managed, this can be fatal.
If you or a loved one are ready to start fighting an addiction, it is crucial to get professional support. A medically assisted detox is radically different to going cold turkey, and is often just the first step in a long and challenging recovery process.
While treatment can be accessed via the NHS, this is typically on an outpatient basis. Residential rehab, which is usually more intensive and structured, is most commonly accessed privately.
While nothing can replace the help and advice of a medical professional, having emotional support from loved ones during addiction treatment can make a monumental difference to someone’s recovery.
You don’t need to be an expert; you simply need to offer your encouragement.
This can be difficult, as addiction often puts a strain on personal relationships, but by beginning treatment, your loved one will be in a better position to repair those relationships.
Family and friend therapy is available at many treatment centres and provides a neutral environment for you to talk openly with your loved ones about their addiction.
The rehabilitation centres we work with take a holistic approach to addiction recovery.
This means that treatment plans are tailored to the individual, and focus not only on the addiction but also on any co-occurring conditions.
It is not enough to simply eradicate an addiction if the root cause has not been identified and treated, as this makes the addiction more likely to return.
You do need to be fully committed to the treatment programme and have a sincere wish to live an addiction-free life.
Many people find that it is easier to stay on track while being treated as an inpatient, or while living in quasi-residential rehab.
Being surrounded by people who are also focused on their sobriety can help to make you feel more accountable and more motivated.
It is important to do research before beginning treatment. If you begin a programme that isn’t quite right, you are more likely to give up.
Addiction recovery is difficult enough without being put off by inadequate treatment. By contacting one of our advisors, you can be directed to local services in Woodbridge that suit your personal circumstances.
We offer free telephone consultations, during which we will make confidential notes about your current struggles and work to match you with specialists in your area.
You don’t need to be referred by your GP. There is no pressure to begin treatment right away, but you will have all of the options laid out for when you are ready.
If you would like to talk about addiction treatment options, either for yourself or for someone you know, please call Rehab 4 Addiction on 0800 140 4690.
Our dedicated admissions team will hear all of your concerns and provide you with expert advice.
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