6 Best Ways to Ask for Help with Addiction
Isolation plays an often-overlooked role in the cycle of addiction.
It is common for those already experiencing isolation, such as adolescents coping with self-esteem struggles, to experiment with drugs and alcohol as a way to find peace.
But it is only by asking for help that recovery can be found, and true freedom from addiction obtained.
Though it may seem frightening, below are six ways to ask for help with your addiction – each of which may have the ability to help change, or even save, your life.
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What are the 6 Best Ways to Ask for Help with Addiction?
Ask You Family
Asking your family for help receiving treatment for your addiction is one of the hardest things you can do.
However, it is often one of the most effective.
Studies show that family support can help individuals combat the negative effects of mental illness, and that those individuals with family and social support are more likely to enter and complete recovery programming, as well as maintain sobriety.
Furthermore, while family members and loved ones are more likely to become emotional during a discussion of your treatment needs, they are also most able to provide you with the practical support and encouragement you need to succeed in recovery.
While not everyone has family to assist in this way, first asking for help from those closest to you can help you build a support system for the sober life ahead.
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Ask Religious Leaders
Do you think that you don’t need recovery because you have a job, or that you are able to pay your bills?
Being functional is different than being free.
Research indicates that 75% of adults with a substance use disorder are in the workforce, but that doesn’t mean that they are not addicted.
As soon as pleasure is derived more through drugs or alcohol than through other activities, your addiction has begun.
Going through the motions of your life, waiting for your next drink or hit, is not the life you deserve. But true freedom is possible with recovery and there are so many people who want to see you succeed.
If you attend a religious institution, or work at an establishment that offers religious support services, pastors, chaplains, and other religious guides can provide a discrete and nonjudgmental way to ask for help with recovery.
Often these men and women will be aware of religiously affiliated, and not-for-profit, recovery programs in your community, as well as 12-Step programs, and other resources.
Even if you do not currently attend religious services, religious leaders will likely still be open to meeting with you to discuss recovery needs, and may provide compassionate support and counsel in your time of need.
Talk to Your Doctor
Doctors can provide another excellent resource to ask for help with recovery.
These men and women truly want to assist you with achieving a healthier life, and often worry about the impact of drugs and alcohol, especially prescription substances, on those they serve.
Frequently they are aware of local recovery programs, and substance abuse specialists, in the community.
Furthermore, many larger hospitals offer substance abuse recovery programming, and you may be able to connect with someone in that facility for immediate admission.
Speak to Your Guidance Counsellors / Coach
For some people, it may be easier to first ask for help from someone you trust, but who is not your guardian, prior to communicating with your family.
For high school and college students who are struggling with substance use, it may be common to have a close relationship with a guidance counsellor, a coach, or an educator.
In addition to their formal role with the school, many of these individuals are also trained in recognizing substance abuse in young adults, and are likely familiar with resources.
Furthermore, most college campuses have treatment options, so you may be able to pursue the help you need through a partnership with your institution.
If you are a minor, your school will likely still be required to work with your parents on helping you find treatment, but having a practice conversation with a trusted role model may help you feel more comfortable in the discussion to come.
Ask a Therapist
If you are ready to seek treatment for other mental health issues, you may find that talking to a therapist can help you identify recovery resources.
And while many people feel a stigma around mental health, these individuals are committed to maintaining your confidentiality, and to providing a relaxing, nonjudgmental atmosphere. They may even be able to help you practice conversations that you will have with others in your life surrounding your recovery needs.
Additionally, since most forms of insurance will cover some counseling sessions, this initial step in asking for help can often be undertaken without cost.
Get Help from Your Employer
In some ways, asking your employer for help with your addiction may seem like the hardest conversation of all.
However, many employers, especially large companies, are empathetic to the treatment needs of employees.
Workplace addiction is an expensive and dangerous problem, and many businesses offer counseling programs and insurance policies that help address recovery needs. Furthermore, federal law prohibits most employers from terminating employment for those who are seeking recovery, assuming they are not using drugs on the job.
Asking your company’s Human Resources staff for assistance with your recovery can provide you with practical resources and referrals to improve the success of your treatment journey.
Effects of the 6 Best Ways to Ask for Help with Addiction
Whether you seek help from your boss, your family, or a crisis hotline, the effect of asking for help is that it will help you break through the isolation of your addiction.
While the intimacy that comes with asking for help can be intimidating, inviting someone you trust to support your recovery will help you change your life. And, from that moment forward, there will be someone to ask about your needs, and to offer you support on your path to recovery.
If you are able, consider asking if you can speak to them again to discuss the steps you’ve taken and what to do next. Because, in asking someone – anyone you trust – for help with your addiction, you have started to break through the barrier of isolation, and overcome the struggle of denial.
And, whether it takes one conversation or several, you are now on the path to wellness, and to seeking the recovery you deserve.
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Mental Illness the 6 Best Ways to Ask for Help with Addiction
No matter the individual’s age or background, there is evidence that isolation can have dire consequences for mental health.
However, help is available.
And the first step in seeking that help is to ask for it.
By talking to someone you trust, especially someone like a doctor, family member, or educator, who may be able to connect you with recovery resources, you are moving past the isolation that can keep you trapped in addiction.
Furthermore, once you have started to undertake addiction treatment, you will find that these supportive resources continue to become available to you.
Through quality recovery programs, such as those offered by Resurgence Behavioral Health, you will discover excellent treatment options to combat isolation, addiction, and mental health issues, simultaneously.
Your treatment team will be able to help you establish a support system, and can offer peer support, to help you keep the conversation about your wellness moving forward, and helping you avoid the perils of loneliness and disconnection.
Treatment for the 6 Best Ways to Ask for Help with Addiction
Depending on the nature of the substance abuse, the recovery journey may begin with a medical detoxification under the supervision of healthcare professionals.
Medical detox allows the body to become accustomed life without an addictive substance, and allows medical providers to help control and monitor the pain and anxiety that come with withdrawal.
The effects of withdrawal can be traumatic to drug and alcohol users, but experiencing the withdrawal in a safe and supervised environment reduces the likelihood of a serious complication.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can also be highly effective in breaking the cycle of addiction by helping with the management of stressors, self-sabotage, and guilt.
Additionally, group therapy, one-to-one counseling, and twelve step programs may also be used to help those in need of connection develop healthy relationships with those who understand their experience.
Recovery centers may also utilize nutrition counseling, financial counseling, fitness programming, lifestyle counseling and other holistic treatments to help reduce isolation, increase coping strategies and empower those in recovery to start a new, healthier life.
Payment Options
Your recovery experience is unique to you, and your treatment options should be, as well.
We know that this is a time that you need for focus on recovery, not negotiating with an insurance company, or worrying about your coverage.
With that in mind, Resurgence Behavior Health provides recovery and payment plans that reflect your unique needs.
The team at Resurgence will communicate with your insurance provider on your behalf, and we accept most PPO insurance and private forms of payment for treatment. You can even pay for admission online.
Just call our caring team at 855-458-0050 and begin your journey.
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Resurgence Behavioral Health
You have asked for help – now let Resurgence Behavioral Health answer.
Our state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated team, and responsive programs, will help you find the rest and recovery you deserve.
We know that no two addiction experiences are the same, and Resurgence offers social and medical drug detoxification, residential, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs, counseling, and other customized resources to empower you onward to recovery.
And our serene locations in Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach and Fullerton Hills have everything you need to minimize distractions and focus on your wellness needs.
Call Resurgence Behavioral Health and feel the connection.
