Going to rehab can be one of the most important steps you may ever take in your life, but it’s also one of the most difficult. The issues that lead you to substance abuse will make it extremely challenging to stay sober, and an unsupportive community or family situation can make it even harder to stay clean. If you have tried to get sober on your own with no success, then it may be time to consider going to rehab. Read this guide on how to know when it’s time to go to rehab for help deciding if this step is right for you.

Are you using drugs or alcohol because you are unhappy with your life situation?

If you’re using alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with issues in your life, it may be time for you to make some changes. When people are going through major life transitions, they often turn to drugs and alcohol as a way of coping with their feelings. If you feel like drugs or alcohol are playing a role in your life, and making things worse instead of better, then seek out professional help. You can find support from friends and family members (in addition), but if you continue on that path without any changes, eventually you will lose them (even if they don’t want that). They may feel powerless over your addiction, which could lead them to become detached from your life altogether. 

Is your use threatening relationships?

Drug and alcohol use often damages relationships, sometimes irreparably. Relationships are important—for happiness, health, a sense of community and overall well-being. When your addiction is threatening these relationships, that’s a warning sign you should heed. If your continued drug or alcohol use has put stress on those around you, if they have expressed concerns about what you’re doing or are telling you to get help – then it might be time for rehab. Without support from others, recovery can be more difficult. Don’t let your loved ones down – don’t wait until things have gotten worse before acting.

Do you avoid activities because you will be using drugs and/or alcohol there?

If you are avoiding certain social situations because of your alcohol or drug use, you may be ready for rehab. If sobriety means so much to you that you are willing to skip certain social occasions because of your substance abuse issues, then it’s a good sign that you should seek help. You should always consider how important achieving and maintaining sobriety is in comparison with missing out on fun events.

For example, if you and your friends often drink or use drugs at parties, then you may be avoiding certain social events because you feel uncomfortable being there without alcohol or drugs. If your substance abuse has led you to miss out on important life experiences due to your addiction, then it’s a good sign that you should seek treatment.

Asking yourself these questions can help you determine whether or not you are ready for rehab. If your answer is yes, then there are several ways you can go about getting help.

Are you experiencing blackouts, memory loss, or failing memory?

If you can’t remember what happened yesterday, then it might be time for a checkup. These symptoms can indicate serious problems with your mental health and wellbeing. It may be best for you to consider going to rehabilitation. Failing memory can be a symptom of several neurological conditions, so you must consult your GP if you are concerned. If you have trouble remembering appointments or daily activities, it could be due to Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.

So if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. They may recommend going into rehabilitation at a drug and alcohol treatment centre. This can provide an excellent environment for you to focus on overcoming your addiction.

Has your drug use interfered with your ability to function well at work, school, or home in general?

Has your drug use started affecting your performance at work, school or home in general? It might be a good idea to consider rehab if you’re struggling with one or more of these issues. Seeking help might be beneficial if you feel like quitting but find yourself unable to do so on your own.

If your drug use has affected your ability to stay employed, maintain relationships with friends and family, or continue working toward a degree at school, you might need some help quitting. There are rehab programmes out there for all different types of people and situations—you just have to find one that’s right for you.

Have you neglected responsibilities like paying bills, taking care of children, etc.?

You must continue your life, whether it’s with drugs or without. Prioritise tasks by their importance, not necessarily by their deadlines. If you get a large number of bills at once and don’t have enough money to pay them, contact your creditors and ask if they can work with you on a payment plan.

If you don’t have money in your bank account, ask friends and family for help. If they can’t offer much financially, they can still make calls and remind creditors that you’re trying to work out a payment plan. Asking your creditors for concessions is better than not paying bills and racking up fines or worse – having your property repossessed. Remember that telling your creditors upfront what you need will go a long way towards establishing goodwill with them.

The important thing is that you don’t let bad habits, no matter how bad they are, stop you from living a normal life. Missing work or important deadlines because of your addiction will only make matters worse. But if you continue to do your best at everything that isn’t related to drugs or alcohol, and live within your means, then there’s hope for you yet.

Have you become isolated from friends and family members who don’t use drugs/alcohol as often as you do?

Social isolation is one of several indicators that a person might need treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. If you’re constantly drinking or using drugs at home with no friends over, you might want to consider getting help. You may feel as though you don’t need help because no

one knows how much you’re using—but if isolating yourself from others leaves you feeling isolated, lonely and unsatisfied with your life, then maybe it’s time for a change. It’s not always easy to admit we have a problem but if spending more time by yourself than with other people isn’t what makes you happy, then maybe make an appointment with your doctor and check out rehab options in your area.

Are you doing dangerous things while on drugs (like driving while intoxicated)?

Are you in denial about your drug problem and choosing not to listen or believe someone else who tells you you have a problem? Are you in trouble with the law due to using drugs, like getting arrested for driving under influence (DUI)? Do your family members tell you that they want you to go into rehab because they’re worried about your behaviour? If so, then rehab may be a good choice for you. Going through rehab can help make sure that your body doesn’t get dependent on drugs. It can also help treat any other mental health issues that may be associated with drug use, such as depression or anxiety.

Are you starting to experience symptoms of addiction?

If your answer is yes to any of these questions, it might be time for rehab. Do you find yourself needing more and more of something (drugs, alcohol, etc.) to feel its effects? Are you experiencing withdrawal symptoms when substance use decreases or stops? Have you tried unsuccessfully in the past to stop using drugs or alcohol on your own? Are you starting to experience physical side effects from your drug use—such as nausea, sweating, or chills—that cause you distress but that you’re unable to prevent? Is drug or alcohol use interfering with your work, school, family relationships, or social life in any way? If yes, it might be time for rehab.

Get Help from Freeman House Recovery

Freeman House Recovery is a luxury and completely kosher and halaal addiction treatment centre in South Africa. We offer a haven for men and women who are suffering from alcohol, drug or gambling addictions. You don’t have to stay at Freeman House for long periods. Most people attend our programmes for an average of 30 days. This gives you enough time to get clean, stay sober and learn new skills that will help you stay clean long after your treatment programme has ended. Contact us today to begin your journey to break free from addiction. 

This article was first published at https://www.freemanhouserecovery.com/rehab-when-is-it-time-to-go/