Are you suffering from addiction? If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you realize your drug or alcohol use has become a problem. You may know that you can’t break your substance abuse behavior by yourself, but reaching out for help seems to be too difficult. Maybe you’ve always been the strong one that others looked to for help and you feel you can’t show anything you perceive as weakness. Maybe you feel you’ll be judged negatively by others or that you’ll be considered a burden. We completely understand your concern and want to let you know you aren’t alone. We also want to let you know the worst of your fears are not going to happen. You’re only human and have nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone needs to be helped at some point in their lives. It just happens to be your time now.
Don’t Be Embarrassed
Addiction is a disease and seeking treatment shouldn’t be any more embarrassing than seeking help from a heart doctor or eye specialist. Even though you feel vulnerable, it’s likely that your friends and family have been concerned about your drug abuse for a long time. They will be over the moon that you want help and will be happy to help you in any way possible. There’s absolutely no reason to be afraid of people finding out something they may already know. They’re still in your life so it’s probably obvious that they care about you. The emotion you’ll receive from those you reach out to will most likely be compassion, love, and relief that you are finally seeking help.
You Aren’t a Burden
If you’re used to people depending on you, which is often the case of many addicts, you may feel that expressing the need for help will make you a burden to others. They won’t feel that way. In many cases, your loved ones will welcome the chance to take care of you as you’ve taken care of them. The fact that they are still standing by you through this addiction says they love you and believe there is hope that you will get help. Your substance abuse has most likely put more of a burden on those you love than asking for help ever will. By asking for help to get clean of your drug abuse, you’re actually taking away the burdens of pain, fear, and concern they’ve been feeling throughout your substance abuse.
Reach Out to Family
Those who care the most about you are often family members; they’re stuck with us for better or for worse. Family could be a parent, aunt, or grandfather. It can also be a cousin or someone you feel comfortable around. Family doesn’t always have to be blood. Maybe you feel comfortable with your sister’s husband. The idea isn’t to take time over-thinking who to ask but go with what feels right. The you inside knows who will grab hold of that hand reaching out for help.
Reach Out to a Friend
If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out to a family member, another option is to find a friend or colleague you can count on. It can be someone you’ve been friends with for a while or a new friend. Chances are the person you reach out to has either helped someone in the past or has battled their own addiction issues. Never underestimate the power of empathy. There are people out there who want to help you.
Reach Out to Us
Lake Arrowhead Recovery Resource is here every hour of every day to help you. We can help you find a place that fits your needs and will work with you in regards to admission and even insurance procedures. Our support is available throughout your healing process and we want to answer your questions. Reaching out to us is free so you don’t have to worry about the money just yet. Don’t spend another day feeling that your need is bothersome. In reality, your reaching out for help is a great gift to those who love you.
