Do You Have To Hit Rock Bottom Before Going To Rehab?

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a diagnosable health condition also known as drug/alcohol addiction.

The effects of SUDs may become truly desperate and destructive, causing those who experience them to traumatically “hit rock bottom” in their lives before they finally accept that they have a problem and need to change. 

However, there is no reason to wait for things to get worse before seeking help.

Why You Don’t Need To Hit Rock Bottom

Entering an inpatient or outpatient addiction recovery treatment program to deal with the problem proactively does not make you a bad person or a failure. In fact, it is just the opposite.

Reaching out shows that you have the courage and self-awareness to protect both yourself and your loved ones, from this legitimate medical condition.

How Substance Use Disorders Develop

There is no one type of person who develops a substance use disorder. It is a condition that impacts every age group and crosses all socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious groups.

However, there are risk factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing an SUD, including: 

• genetic predisposition
• prenatal alcohol exposure
• childhood or other trauma
• stress
• mental health issues
• chronic pain 

Ultimately, whenever a person is exposed to potentially addictive or habit-forming substances like alcohol, legal or illicit opioids, prescription or illicit stimulants, cannabis, benzodiazepines, and others, there is the potential for an SUD to develop.

The effects create a vicious cycle of drug use, fleeting pleasure, and lasting cravings and withdrawal symptoms that can be harmful without effective treatment.

The Dangers Of Substance Misuse

The effects of long-term substance abuse vary depending on the drug’s specific mechanism of action, how it is taken (snorted, smoked, injected, etc.), how often, and in what dosage.

Any form of SUD may eventually cause a wide range of progressive health problems and other life issues that can impact you and your loved ones, including:

• mental and physical impairment that may lead to car crashes and other risky or harmful behavior
• arrest and legal problems including felony charges and incarceration
• drug overdose/alcohol poisoning which may be life-threatening or cause lasting disability
• physical dependence producing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using drugs or alcohol
• mental health problems like anxiety disorders, depression, and learning/memory deficits
• chronic health problems like cirrhosis/liver failure and cancer (alcohol), heart and lung damage (illicit stimulants), and constipation (opioids)
• life and relationship problems including unemployment and financial problems, increased risk of divorce, loss of child custody, and an increased risk of homelessness
• premature aging and reduced lifespan

Substance Abuse Treatment Services

Twenty years of experience with a substance use disorder is going to be more harmful and more destructive than one year, five years, ten years, or nineteen years. Why put off getting the help you need to deal with your addiction today?

Addiction treatment services are tailored to meet different needs and severities of SUD. Some of the most important treatment options to be aware of include:

• medical detox – a service provided by specialized treatment centers to help participants work through withdrawal symptoms safely while under close medical care
• inpatient rehab programs – which provides participants with a safe, focused, drug-free rehab center for them to live in while participating in intensive services
• outpatient treatment programs – divided into regular outpatient care, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
• dual diagnosis programs – which provide a comprehensive course of treatment for both alcohol/drug addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions
• medication-assisted treatment (MAT) – which uses both counseling/behavioral therapy and FDA-approved medications to treat opioid use disorders or alcohol use disorders
• aftercare support – a personalized plan of care that begins after your drug rehab program, often featuring sober living housing, peer support, outpatient treatment, employment counseling, and case management

Don’t wait until you hit your lowest point to get professional help for your substance abuse. Make today a turning point and contact the addiction professionals at Ark Behavioral Health.