The temptations of life are all around us, whether it’s good food and drink or more dangerous matters, such as substance abuse. The use and abuse of illegal drugs or prescription drugs remain a significant public health priority, as it can exact a staggering toll on individuals and society alike. That’s what makes substance abuse help from a place like Atlanta Detox Center so critically important for everyone involved.
Chances are good that merely asking the question of when to seek help for substance abuse means the time has already come. The worries that you’re feeling are justifiable and the question is a call to action. It is through substance abuse treatment programs where you can find hope again, hopping on a path to lead you back to sobriety and a bright future. The professionals at our drug addiction treatment program are here to show you the way.
Substance Abuse Defined
When evaluating whether you need substance abuse help, it’s useful to have a basic understanding of what it is, and what it isn’t. Substance abuse is not measured solely by the types of drugs you use, or the quantity you consume.
Rather, the severity of substance abuse is graded qualitatively– by the impact of substance abuse on your way of life. If you continue using drugs and alcohol even though they may cause significant difficulties for you at work, at home, at school, in relationships, then your behavior probably fits the definition of substance abuse.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you are suffering from addiction, though you are in fact on your way to that status. More severe and persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol can escalate to what it is described as a “use disorder” — the clinical definition of addiction.
Don’t wait until addiction worsens to seek a residential addiction treatment program that’s right for you. The sooner you get substance abuse help, the better off you will be.
How Does It Harm You?
Substance abuse may start quietly, out of sight. But as it grows, so too does the potential harm. Abuse of illicit or prescription drugs has both short- and long-term effects on your physical and psychological health. They also have a tremendous cost for society, in terms of health care, lost productivity, law enforcement, and other elements of daily life.
The exact effects and the drug detox timeline will differ widely by individual. But generally, in abusing substances, you put yourself at risk of:
- Elevated blood pressure, which can lead to stroke or heart attack
- Insomnia
- Changes in appetite
- Psychosis or delusion
- Cancer
- Respiratory disorder
- Hepatitis
- Domestic violence
That’s just a short list, but it points to why substance abuse help is so important and why you may want to seek substance abuse treatment at a drug and alcohol detox center program.
When to Seek Substance Abuse Help
The signs and symptoms of substance abuse can be tricky to spot. People who enter a substance abuse program are adept at hiding their problems. But generally, some of the symptoms to be on the lookout in yourself or people you love include:
- Intense cravings to use all the time
- Building a tolerance — requiring more of a drug to get the same effect
- Failing at life’s obligations — in the home, at work, at school
- Experiencing intensifying withdrawal symptoms
- Serious deterioration in relationships
One of these symptoms alone may not necessarily point to a problem. But if you identify several from this list, then it’s time to seek substance abuse help.
Support and Hope at Atlanta Detox Center
Substance abuse is physically and mentally trying, not just on you but on your entire family. If you are caught in the cycle, consider seeking substance abuse help from the programs at Atlanta Detox Center. Our Atlanta Detox Center staff provides clinically appropriate treatment based on the latest evidence-based medicine to help you through the challenge of rehab and recovery. We offer a safe and welcoming environment; our team stands ready to provide caring and confidential. Get started right away by placing a call to Atlanta Detox Center at 470.450.2355 today.
