Knowing and recognizing that you have an addiction is a huge step that will get you closer to recovery. Admitting that you have an addiction takes a lot of courage and can be incredibly difficult for many people. It’s difficult because you are finally admitting a toxic pattern you’ve been dealing with for a long time. With that realization often comes the beginning of the process of changing your way of life.
The severity of addictions varies for different people. The way one can recover can also be different–for some, it can take a lot of time, and to others, it may be a quicker process. To know the proper treatments and actions you must take, you should know the severity of your addiction.
Figuring out the severity of your dependency is and the factors contributing to the delay of your recovery will make it possible for your doctor to create a plan of action. Here are some things you need to know about your addiction:
Know the severity of your addiction
You know your addiction is starting to get notably critical when it’s starting to affect your daily life and the people around you. It is good to note that addiction is diagnosed in a spectrum—this means there are levels in your condition’s seriousness. By figuring out where you stand, you’ll be able to get the proper treatment.
If most or all of the following are true to you, you could be struggling with a severe addiction:
- You have a lack of control
- You have a desire to quit but are unable to
- You go through great lengths to purchase the substance
- You crave the substance
- You lack responsibility
- Your relationships are taking a toll, and more problems arise
- You have a loss of interest in hobbies you once enjoyed
- You use the substance dangerously
- Your situation is worsening
- You have tolerance
- You have withdrawals
To determine your addiction’s seriousness, you need to find out how many of the criteria you meet. For example, if you meet two to three criteria, you may have a mild addiction. You should always seek professional help to get an accurate diagnosis and a detailed recovery plan
Your environment and the people you interact with affects your addiction
Ideally, you want to be surrounded by a reliable support system that will be able to help you rehabilitate from the addiction you have. If you’re dealing with friends and family who aren’t supportive, or worse, tolerate your addiction, you’ll need to make an effort to step out of this circle.
A support system that will be with you in this necessary journey to be sober is an essential factor in your recovery. Surround yourself with people who won’t judge you for your past choices and those you are comfortable speaking to regarding your addiction and recovery.
Your place in the addiction spectrum may change in time
It is good to remember that addiction is a progressive disease–this means that you won’t always stay in one stage of the spectrum. Right now, you could be suffering from a mild addiction. Some patients, when informed that their addiction is mild, up the ante and take it to moderate. You will need the support of people who will keep you accountable and ensure that, while your addiction may fluctuate, you are making progress overall.
The severity of your addiction is likely to change through time, so it’s crucial to remain disciplined and patient with yourself throughout the process.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, addiction is a topic that a lot of people avoid and still consider taboo. But what many don’t know is that when you suffer from addiction, being heard and seen is one way to help yourself move forward. A lot of mental gymnastics are involved in dealing with this chronic disease. Speaking to a professional and building a support system that will help you walk through the road to recovery will help lift a lot of weight from your shoulders.
Are you ready to get better? California Addiction Help is a resource for you to find the help you and your family deserve. We have connections all over the state of California and can find you addiction help no matter what your situation is. Give us a call to see how we can help today!