The way we behave while weโre in active addiction is hard for family members and friends to witness, and often they donโt understand why we canโt โjust stopโ our self destructive habits.
Thatโs why the programs like the residential rehab at Miracles Asia exist.
People suffering with addiction need hands-on assistance to stop and stay clean or sober because of the compulsive nature of the disease.
Trying to stop on your own often is a 'best effort' approach, but unfortunately leads to a relapse and continuation of the same cycles.
Thereโs no shame in asking for help to overcome addiction. So let's explore how to ask for help with addiction and some of the barriers that may be holding you back.
Denial - A Roadblock to Getting Help
However, denial is a common barrier to getting help. Denial can be rooted in many different things, such as fear, shame, or simply not wanting to face the reality of the situation.
There are several warning signs that someone is in denial about their addiction:
Addicts will often downplay their use of drugs or alcohol or deny that their substance abuse is a problem. They may claim that they can stop using anytime they want or that their drinking or drug use is not as bad as other people's.
Someone with a substance abuse disorder may blame their family, friends, or co-workers for their addiction. They may say that they would not be addicted if it were not for the stress in their life or if someone had just helped them more.
They will often make excuses for their behavior, such as saying they only use drugs when they are angry or upset. They may also claim that they need to drink or use drugs in order to cope with their problems.
Some addicts will deny that their substance is having consequences on their life. They'll claim that they can handle their drinking or drug use and it is not affecting their life in a negative way.
If you are struggling with substance abuse, it is essential to overcome denial and seek treatment. There are many resources available to help you on the road to recovery and a sober lifestyle.
Building a support system is crucial for anyone in recovery, but it can be especially helpful for those in early recovery who are working to overcome denial. Having a strong support system can provide motivation, accountability, and encouragement.
How Addiction Stops People From Asking For Help
As a result, people who are struggling with addiction often convince themselves that they can quit on their own without any help. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case.
Additionally, addiction can cause people to become isolated from their loved ones and support systems. This isolation can make it difficult for people to reach out for help, even if they want to.
Addiction can lead to changes in a person's mood and motivation, making them more likely to avoid activities that could help them recover, such as attending therapy or participating in self-help groups.
As a result, addiction often prevents people from seeking the help they need to overcome their disease.
Instead, they may continue to struggle with drug or alcohol abuse, feeling helpless and alone. Asking for help is often the first and most difficult step in overcoming addiction
5 Ways to Ask for Help
Sometimes it just seems easier to just keep on using, right?
You probably know you need help but arenโt sure how to ask for it, even though youโre miserable and are sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Here are 5 simple ways you can ask for help with your addiction:
Writing is sometimes easier than saying it out loud, especially when itโs about asking for help. There is something about writing that helps you to organize your thoughts in a way that makes sense.
Doing this, you may even begin to understand more about yourself and your struggles by writing them down.
Always remember that after you hit send, thereโs no going back. Youโve made the decision to ask for help, and thereโs usually, there will be some relief in that.
Hopefully, you have someone in your life who you can talk to about anything, such as a close family member or close friend, even if they have no experience with drug addiction. Maybe you need someone to listen so you can work out whatโs going on yourself and whether you think you might need drug rehab.
If you know someone who has been through what youโre experiencing, they will know what to do, especially if theyโve found help themselves. Find out what worked for them and figure out if the same thing would work for you.
You might find someone at a 12-Step meeting, like Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous, who is in recovery and will take time to talk with you about their experience of addiction rehab.
The internet has so much information on drug addiction and how to get help. This includes websites for drug rehabs, helpline numbers, support groups, and chat rooms.
A quick search will give you many options from the anonymity of your computer. Itโs sometimes helpful to talk to a stranger before talking to a family member or friend if you're concerned about any reactions or judgements.
Benefits of Asking for Help
We might say to ourselves, โI know Iโve got a problem, but I just canโt stop.โ Even though your life might be out of control and things have begun to spiral downwards rapidly, itโs impossible to stop. Drug or alcohol addiction is a disease, not a disgrace, and asking for help is the first step. Admitting you have a problem can feel like an immense relief.
What Happens They Say No?
However, it's important to remember that asking for help is a brave and positive step. If the person you've asked for help says no, there are plently of options available.
Most importantly, don't take it personally as the person you reached out to might not feel equipped with the knowledge or resources to help you properly. It is okay to reach out to multiple people before you find someone who can provide the support you need.
There are also many professional resources available to help you with addiction, such as therapists, counselors, and rehabilitation programs. These professionals can provide the guidance and support you need to overcome addiction and will always say yes
How Miracles Asia Can Help
Most people only have one shot at rehab, so it's important to make the right decision. But, with so many options available, how can you be sure you're picking the best one?
At Miracles Asia, we offer our guests their best chance for a successful recovery with our Residential Rehab program that's available in 30, 60 or 90 day options.
If you are struggling with addiction and don't have anyone to speak to, you can always reach out to our Admissions Team for a completely free, and confidential chat about your current situation.