You may be waiting for the “right” time to seek treatment for an addiction, but the truth is, the right time is when you decide you are ready. The right time is when you feel like you are capable of turning your life around and can stop relying on a substance or when you hit “rock bottom” and know you need to change. If you go into recovery without the right motivation, you may be more vulnerable to a relapse. But if you are finally ready to stop using, you need to consider your options for treatment and understand how your life will look without the influence of drugs.
Admitting that you have an addiction is the toughest part when agreeing to seek help. The realization that you can live a fuller and happier life is refreshing and makes the recovery process a little lighter. It can be overwhelming at first, putting down the substance that was always there for you when you needed a break from the stressors of life. There may be feelings of anxiety or self-doubt. When deciding on treatment, you must decide for yourself, rather than a relative or friend pressuring you. After all, this journey is yours and yours alone.
Finding Support
You may even feel as though you can conquer recovery on your own. It is always best to seek help from medical professionals for weaning off any substance and is critical for alcohol withdrawal. Weaning off from a substance on your own can result in permanent cognitive disabilities. Proper treatment will allow you to taper off from a drug with professional supervision.
After you go through detox, there are therapists to guide you through this difficult time and ease your worries. Also, recovery treatment programs are a great space to form friendships and gain support from others going through the same thing. Some treatment groups are targeted towards specific activities that allow people to bond, whether that is a Christian-centered group or a mindfulness meditation group. It may feel as though you are sailing solo at times, but if you choose to become plugged in, you will always find support during your recovery. The pace you choose is up to you and different for everyone.
Changing Your Thoughts
Many people with an active addiction think their willpower will help them stop whenever they want, but that is rarely the case. This way of thinking often prevents them from seeking treatment. Addiction works by impacting your brain’s chemistry and changing its reward system. When you do try to stop, your brain will work against you.
Changing your thought patterns is difficult because your brain likes repetition and structure. Creating new habits is a big learning curve. If you can learn to habitually place another activity into your life instead of the previously abused substance, you will find the recovery process much easier.
When you feel cravings, you can reach out to your treatment team or support group and speak with them. You can decide to go for a hike, ride a bike or read a book. Journaling is a great reflection tool. Writing about the process of recovery can help you to reflect on your process and sort out emotions.
Types of Programs
If you are familiar with the consequences of addiction, you know that it rips away the basic foundations of life. Relationships are destroyed, your finances decline, and possessions are lost. Physical health declines and can end up causing long-term damage. If you are thinking about seeking treatment, do not wait until your life has crumbled apart.
When considering programs, it is important to look at the best options for your scenario. If you would prefer not to go to a hospital or inpatient recovery for the duration of treatment, outpatient treatment would be a good choice once detoxification is complete. Outpatient treatment refers to programs where patients live in their own homes and go to a clinic or other facility for addiction treatment sessions.
Inpatient treatment is an option for people that need more extreme care. Patients going through inpatient rehab programs will stay in a hospital to receive intensive care that follows a structured day and monitors their medical needs. They will go through a program that will be focused on caring for the specific addiction they are facing. Picking the right plan may be difficult, and it can be even harder with the emotional hardship of accepting addiction recovery. However, there are plenty of options and people to talk to about which program is best for you. There are people with arms wide open and ready to accept you and your life-changing journey ahead.
Deciding when to seek treatment can be a daunting task. You must seek recovery for yourself, and not to please someone else. This is your journey and yours alone. When you are ready to choose the path of recovery, we know there are many options. Rancho Milagro is a holistic treatment center that is excited to help you renew yourself and feel your best again. If you are interested, call Rancho Milagro at (951) 526-4582. We are here to help you start your journey towards a more fulfilled, healthier life. At Rancho Milagro, we believe in individualized treatment plans and a mindful approach. We promote a vision of power in hope and peace in healing. At our facility, we have acres of farmland that create a tranquil environment for recovery in a home-like setting. We have supportive, extensively educated staff determined to create a treatment for your unique needs.