When to Seek Help for a Substance Use Disorder

Acknowledging that there’s a problem with substance use and that you need professional help is a profound act of courage and a vital first step toward healing. The sooner you seek treatment, the better the chances of a successful and long-lasting recovery.

Signs It’s Time to Get Help

• Losing control: You find yourself unable to cut back or stop using despite wanting to. You feel intense cravings and use more than intended.
• Negative consequences: Substance use negatively impacts your health, relationships, work, school, finances, or leads to legal problems.
• Prioritizing substance use: You neglect responsibilities, abandon hobbies, or spend significant amounts of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of the substance.
• Increasing tolerance: You need larger amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect you once felt with smaller amounts.
• Withdrawal symptoms: You experience unpleasant physical or emotional symptoms when you stop or reduce your use.
• Hiding or lying: You feel the need to conceal the extent of your use and become dishonest with yourself or those around you.
• Inability to quit despite attempts: You’ve tried to cut back or stop but were unable to do so for any significant length of time.
• Continued use despite the harm: You continue using even while being fully aware that it’s exacerbating existing problems or creating new ones

Don’t Wait Until You Hit “Rock Bottom”

A common misconception is that someone needs to reach their absolute lowest point before they can begin the journey of recovery. This is untrue! The earlier you address a substance use disorder, the better your chance of preventing severe, long-term consequences.

Overcoming Denial

Denial is a common feature of addiction. It’s a way to protect oneself from the painful reality of how substances are negatively impacting your life. If you are struggling with the question of whether or not you have a problem, here are some additional questions to consider:

• Does substance use make me feel ashamed or guilty?
• Do I spend a lot of time thinking about using?
• Have others expressed concern about my substance use?
• Do I ever feel like I should cut back on my use?

Getting Help for a Substance Use Disorder

If you answered yes to any of these questions, or the signs above resonate with you, it’s time to seek professional help. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Trained addiction treatment specialists can assess your situation, provide guidance on treatment options, and offer the tools and support needed for recovery.

Recovery is possible. Even if substance use has severely disrupted your life, it’s never too late to reclaim your health, rebuild relationships, and pursue the fulfilling life you deserve.