When It’s Time to Get Help with Addiction in Longmont

Alcohol and certain psychoactive substances are used for medical purposes. The Internet is the primary means of communication you use for work or leisure. Video games and gambling can be good fun or a way to make money. These items cannot be considered vices when consumed or worked in moderation and control.

Experts from Sunshine Behavioral Health Longmont explain that these things aren’t made to be addiction triggers. People turn them into vices by abusing and overusing them. Thus, alcohol and opiates became a means of (short-term) enjoyment and relaxation. The Internet and video games serve for hours (and days) of escaping from reality. So, as you can see, the problem arises when you start overdoing this stuff and losing control. 

Why Admitting a Problem Is So Hard?

Admitting that you have an addiction problem is often the first step in recovery. Unfortunately, many people with this issue feel alone in their struggles and fear being judged by friends and family. That’s the same reason why they are hesitant about getting professional help.

Many addicts know that their little secret will endanger their lives, especially their careers or relationships. Also, many think that their addiction could cause a problem for their loved ones. So they think it’s best for everyone to keep it a secret. And as that happens, they become more and more addicted because no one knows what is happening to them so that no one can help them.

Some signs of addiction are impossible not to notice. Then family and friends should react and show support to the person in trouble. When addicts recognize someone as a trusted confidant, they will open up about their problem. Having someone to talk to will allow them to work through their feelings and get clear on how to approach a professional for help.

Loss of Control

Addiction to a substance or behavior stems from a person’s need to eliminate discomfort and feel good. Initially, people can control these feelings and the ‘dosing’ of things that create a sense of satisfaction. But the more they have, the more they need. Over time, that leads to a loss of self-control and compulsive behavior directed towards obtaining these sources of pleasure.

When an addict can’t control their addiction, they can turn to enablers. Enablers are often the parents or partners. Their primary goal is to keep the addicted loved one around for as long as possible. That usually includes denying or covering the problem and doing whatever it takes to lessen the addict’s trouble, but not in a good way.

People must realize that denial won’t help the addicts; it will worsen the situation. In order to help an addict, the enablers must recognize and admit the problem their loved ones have. So their new role is to give the addicts a new path, care, and support without enabling their addiction.

Aggression and Destruction

Loss of control over addiction and actions often leads to destructive and aggressive behavior. Most addicts find their valve in aggression or destruction when they don’t get what they want. They will shout, break everything in the house, threaten, or hit themselves or someone else. This behavior is a clear sign of an abstinence crisis.

Addiction occurs when the brain becomes accustomed to a substance or pattern of behavior that triggers good feelings. It is actually a kind of disorder of consciousness. Without these triggers, the addicts manifest negative emotions and problematic behavior. If these situations become frequent, it’s about time for an addict to ask for help.

Health Issues

Problems with substance or behavior abuse start with experimentation and the desire to try and experience something new. That most often happens in youth, although adults are also prone to such behavior. Still, regardless of age, people who have some problems overcome this stage and get addicted very quickly.

Check the source below to learn about the stages of addiction:

https://www.medicinenet.com/what_are_the_4_stages_of_addiction/article.htm 

At first, people thought of addiction as a habit. They considered addicts stubborn and spoiled. Nowadays, scientists discovered that addiction is a chronic brain disease that brings a large number of comorbidities. Most addicts develop additional mental and physical illnesses as addiction changes their entire lifestyle.

For example, those who exercise regularly begin to avoid training and healthy meals. People who have had an excellent social life withdraw into themselves or change the circle of people they hang out with. And those with diagnosed chronic health conditions have a huge problem because addiction can only make them worse. 

Addiction and diseases can pull anyone into a vicious circle. Dual diagnosis, or co-occurring conditions, is one of the most common reasons people become addicted to drugs or alcohol. To prevent this, they should talk to their physician and discuss treatments that should include addiction recovery.

Frequent Relapse

‘Relapse’ is one of those terrifying words for people in recovery. But it’s a normal part of the healing process, especially during the initial adjustment phases. It’s often triggered by stressful situations, such as conflict with friends or family.

People in recovery can be in a dilemma of giving up the rehab. So when they see no other way to solve the problem, they can seek solace in their old habits. Although they know they will be in trouble again, they resort to this short-lived consolation. Simply, their addiction is their proven safe place. 

Addiction rehab experts help the addicts overcome the crisis and continue recovery. But these people must learn how to recognize symptoms and avoid relapse. Yet, the solution may be inpatient rehabilitation if that happens too often. You can read about the pros and cons of this program at this link.

Addiction diseases are the curse of the modern age. One of the reasons for this is the availability of various substances and agents that trigger problematic behavior. Of course, those who have this problem won’t admit it, but most addicts at some point get into a situation where they are aware that they need help.

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