Oftentimes those suffering from addiction may deny that they have a problem, or downplay the severity. They may not be ready or willing to accept help yet. However, becoming aware of the impact that their drug or alcohol use has on their life – and the lives of others – can be a wakeup call. Here are some signs that can indicate treatment is a beneficial next step:

• Your day focuses around getting or using drugs or alcohol

Over time, those battling addiction become more preoccupied with how they will get the drugs they seek and when they can use. If you notice that you have lost interest in things you once enjoyed, no longer participate in the same activities, or find yourself being more secretive to get high, it may be time to seek help. Your life should be a balance of work or school, family time, recreational activities, and other things you enjoy. Drugs and alcohol can cloud your judgment and shift your sense of priorities.

• You are often short on money to cover bills and living expenses

Continued drug or alcohol use can become an expensive habit. Those facing addiction often find that they spend their money on these substances instead of putting it toward bills and living expenses. Pay attention to where your money is going or if you are consistently borrowing from friends or family to make ends meet. Feeding an addiction can lead to debt and other financial troubles.

• Your relationships with family, friends, and loved ones are deteriorating

Is your drug or alcohol use causing stress and hardships in your relationships? Addiction does not just affect the person using – it also affects those around them. Drugs can alter behavior and actions and people may do or say things that they don’t necessarily mean. They may not realize that they are missing appointments or forgetting about plans because they are overcome by their substance use disorder. Have your friends or family stopped spending as much time with you, or begun to bring up the issues that they are noticing? This can be a sign that treatment would be beneficial to help you get your life back on track and repair these relationships. Friends and family care and want to see you get better.

• Your tolerance for drugs or alcohol is growing

Another sign of a growing dependency on drugs or alcohol is that you find you need higher doses or to use more often to feel the same effects. Over time the body builds up a tolerance. Greater use can increase the risk of overdosing or experiencing other serious side effects.

• Your performance at work or school is lagging

Drugs and alcohol can make it more difficult to focus and can impair your judgment. They can take a toll on your body and mind and lead to missing work or school or performing at levels less than are expected. In some cases people may lose their job or drop out of school as a result of their addiction. This can have an impact on many aspects of their life. By getting help for their addiction, they can return their focus to doing their job and doing it well.

• Your health is suffering

Drugs and alcohol can be hard on the body. They can lead to malnutrition, lack of appetite, a weaker immune system, and more. You may have a lack of energy, fatigue, insomnia, aches and pains, or other conditions that make you feel less than your best. Once your body is detoxed from these substances and you are focused on eating healthy and exercising, you will probably notice that your overall well-being improves.

These are just a few of the ways that addiction can impact your life. At Chapters Capistrano, we can help you to overcome your addiction and build healthier, more productive habits that can help you to succeed. Don’t wait until you have hit rock bottom to seek treatment. Contact us today to find out more about our comprehensive yet flexible treatment programs.