Substance Addiction and Rehabilitation

Addiction is sad, really. The life of an addict is often times harsh in ways that are not always visible. Of course, a lot of times the effects of addiction are visible.

Addiction is something that can hurt a great deal. Whether you are the person addicted or the loved one of someone with an addiction it can be an item of major concern that can manifest in multiple problems. You should seek to overcome the addiction as quickly as possible.

If you are the loved one, I hope you have the strength to stand by the person recovering or more importantly the one that hasn't begun to recover yet. The first step is for the person to recognize the problem. This can be tough, very tough on you. Maybe the worst thing you could do is to abandon that person. You could be the one that keeps him or her from completely falling off the edge.

I'm not an expert on addiction, so you can take all of this with a grain of salt. I'm only approaching things from a level of common sense that is uniquely my own. So take all of this with some degree of skepticism and consult a professional for proper care.

My personal beliefs hinge around compassion. If the one I loved was seriously addicted, I'm not sure I'd be able to get over my guilt if I abandoned that person. If they took a turn for the worse I would always wonder, "what if?".

No doubt about it, addiction brings great pain upon the afflicted and those closest to him or her. Consider that, think about it and mull over what that may mean to you personally and the people you love.

If you are the person with the addiction, or you are not sure if you really are addicted, think about it carefully. Is your substance use causing pain to the people you are closest too? Even if you are causing them only a little pain, you need to recognize that you may be addicted and need help.

Drug treatment and alcohol treatment rehab centers exist everywhere. Consider staying at one for a while. You've got to take a sober and serious look at your situation. Do you value your life and your loved ones more than your addiction? I hope the answer is that you cherish your family most. This is not your typical surface level question where you can get away with saying what you know people want to hear. You have to seriously take a look at yourself and come up with an honest answer.

If you treasure your relationships to others more, then it is time to give up the addiction. Life abounds with people who chose their addictions over their relationships. Their stories are all very sad. One thing is for sure: If you don't take action, the addiction will rule your destiny until you reclaim it.

Those around you may not be willing to wait around to see if you will change or not. Talk to them honestly, admit your addiction and then get help. There is no shame in that, instead it shows that you have some integrity and a strong enough will that may allow you to come back to the land of the living.

I don't intend to be harsh. If you read this far, there might be some question about your status in your own mind. This isn't being blunt but rather a gentle wake up call.

Take charge and take your life back.

This article simply reflects the author's opinions. It is not meant to constitute advice in any way, shape or form. If you have or think you might have an addiction or any other health problem, contact your doctor right away for proper diagnosis and treatment.

David Snape writes for To Be Informed. You can read more specifically about Drug Rehab and Alcohol Rehab there. To Be Informed is a site supportive of health, fitness and wellness