Addiction and substance misuse disorders are sensitive topics. So many people struggle with these issues in the United States today, especially in Colorado. That is why we need to raise awareness for it and the treatment options that are available, such as inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs.
While we might think of gambling problems, alcoholism, or intimacy addiction, drug misuse disorders are some of the most prevalent in the nation right now. That is part of why the so-called War on Drugs is still ongoing, though many debate its overall success. Because of the difficulty surrounding the discussion of these afflictions, some of the information is watered down.
My aim is to help provide a guide for knowing when to investigate getting help. Ideally, it will also give you some tips on what to look for in a rehab facility, and why you should do so.
Signs of Addiction
These symptoms are wide ranging and can be easy to miss. It is important to stay vigilant both when it comes to yourself and to your friends and loved ones. After all, anyone has the potential to develop an addiction, and knowing these signals can help to save a life.
While many people who are using a drug try to hide them and do them in secret, it is very difficult to keep it hidden in the long run. This is because the affects are quite obvious and even dramatic. Some key things to watch out for are changes in mood and behavior, ignoring responsibilities, starting to commit crimes, and using up all of their financial resources.
Clearly, it can deeply affect our lives. If you want more reading material on these impacts, you can look at this page: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Alberta/Pages/How-does-addiction-affect-your-life.aspx. As I detailed above, there are a few prongs to the issue that you can look out for.
First I will discuss relationships. Now, this can be with both family and friends. If you are worried about your own substance misuse, think about whether your loved ones trust you with important information or objects. Would they be willing to lend you ten dollars and know that you would pay them back?
If the answer is no that might be a red flag. However, you should also think about whether your use of drugs is causing a lot of arguments in your home. If frequent arguments about it are taking place, you should certainly be taking a harder look at your use.
Now take a look at your finances. Are you overspending on a substance? Are you draining all of your resources such as a savings account to pay for a drug? These are sure fire signs that you may have a problem. It is likely time to get some help.
Getting Help
Taking the first step of admitting that you have an addiction might be the hardest part of seeking out treatment. After all, admitting that things have spiraled out of control is painful. It is never fun to acknowledge it.
However, it is nothing to be ashamed of. There is research that shows that one in nine Americans uses some form of illegal drugs. That is a large number. Thankfully, there are plenty of options for rehab in Colorado that exist and are accessible. If you are feeling unsure, don’t worry.
These facilities have highly trained medical professionals and mental health caretakers that can help. They will be there for you and provide compassionate care, no matter where you go – that is the most important part of choosing a rehabilitation center.
Likely you will start with a detoxification program. This is when the addict stops taking any substances altogether. Ideally, there are doctors who can aid with the process because withdrawal symptoms can be very hard to cope with. While they vary in manifestation, some of the worst can include things like hallucinations.
There are medicines that help with this process as well. Some are meant to negatively reinforce using a substance, but others are intended to help prevent cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. As well as this, you might experience cognitive behavioral therapy or another form of mental health counseling to help you through the process.
What you should keep in mind is that there is not really a “cure” for these substance misuse disorders. Rather, they will be a lifelong problem that requires constant vigilance and management. That craving and temptation will always be there at least in small forms. That is why surrounding yourself with a support system post rehab is so important.
Who Qualifies?
There seems to be a common misperception that marijuana is not an addictive substance, and thus many people don’t think they could enter rehab for using it. You might think that these facilities only treat those suffering from an addiction to heroin, but this could not be more wrong.
If you are curious about how marijuana can become addictive, you can read more information about it here: https://cannabis.colorado.gov/health-effects/addiction. Something you can consider is talking to your doctor. If you are worried that you might have a substance misuse disorder, they can give you some form of preliminary exam.
Next Steps
If you have made the decision to go to rehab, or if a loved one is taking that step, there are several things to remember. You will want to prepare for the stay. Some good things to pack are enough clean clothes to last you at least two weeks. You will have the opportunity to wash but having enough is always a good idea.
Next, there is some free time during these programs. You will want to bring things to keep yourself occupied. This could be a sketchbook, or maybe your favorite book. You could also pack some trinkets or other items from home that will serve as a comfort to you.
Once you locate the facility of your choice and ensure that they accept your insurance, schedule your stay. Take that journey into sobriety. In the end, you won’t regret it.