Addiction Advice

Addiction is a pattern of behaviour that causes significant disruption and difficulty in your life, defined by physical and/or psychological dependence on something.

Addiction is most often associated with the use of psychoactive drugs, which alter your mood and your thinking, such as alcohol, narcotics, stimulants, and sedatives. However, it is common to extend the meaning of addiction to include compulsive behaviour, problems associated with food and eating, as well as obsessive problems with gambling, sex and other activities that produce feelings of pleasure.

Addiction has affected countless people throughout history and has never respected race, religion, nor social backgrounds.

Am I an Addict?

An alcoholic or a drug addict is a person whose life is controlled by the need to get hold of, and use, alcohol or drugs. It is wrong to suppose that an addict must be a tramp sleeping rough or a ‘junkie’ injecting a dirty needle. This negative stereotype keeps many addicts from getting the help they need.

Addicts come from every walk of life and every profession. Many are successful, intelligent people, and few intend to become addicts. A habit may start innocently with prescription drugs prescribed by the family doctor, or from drinking with friends in the pub.

Whether the addiction results from drinking alcohol, taking legal medications or using illegal substances, the consequences can be just as devastating and just as deadly.

Any activity that results in you taking risks to fulfil a craving or any activity that dominates your thoughts in every waking moment may be a sign of addiction. If you feel you have to do something that makes you feel uneasy, uncomfortable or irritable, you may be an addict. If there’s something you want to stop doing but cannot, you may be an addict.

If you are addicted, there may be other tell-tale addiction signs. For instance, you may sleep more or less than usual, lose your appetite, or develop cravings for sweets or other foods. Personality changes, such as becoming withdrawn or irritable, may indicate addiction as well.

Recognising that there is a problem is the first step towards recovery.

Alcohol Addiction Advice

An alcoholic is compelled to drink, often against their own wishes. Unlike a person who only consumes alcohol in social situations, an alcoholic is unable to go without a drink for long.

Over time the body develops a tolerance for alcohol so that an alcoholic needs more frequent and stronger drinks to feel any effect. Eventually, an alcoholic may need a drink just to feel ‘normal’.

If an alcoholic stops drinking, they will probably endure withdrawal symptoms because their brain chemistry has been affected by the presence of alcohol.

The only available relief from these symptoms may be another drink, and without it, life may seem unbearable.

You have a range of addiction advice and options for you and it is important to be open to suggestions. At Rehab Guide we know that different approaches work for different people, it’s what makes us all so perfectly unique. Getting the best possible results doesn’t need to be a ‘trial and error’ process, but often, one method is not enough.

For instance, one person may respond well to a strict plan with regimented activities, coupled with a form of talking therapy that allows them to analyse their progress. Another may benefit from a more holistic approach, structured but flexible guidance and regular group therapy to approach their issues in a supportive environment.

Neither will benefit at all however without first addressing the underlying problems that have led them to addiction in the first place. That is why Rehab Guide always recommends a stay in residential rehabilitation as a kick start to recovery, raising your consciousness, awareness and understanding of the major issues. When it comes to rehabilitation, do it once, and do it right.

Getting addiction advice and round the clock attention is so helpful at the start. Getting away from the stresses of home and focussing on the main issue is paramount. Your meals are cooked, your clothes are washed, all you have to do is stay determined. Also, the majority of residential rehabs will present you with a variety of approaches to your situation. This means that instead of trying to research and source the help yourself, its all laid out in front of you. Any and all of your questions can be answered (why me?). The ability to experiment and evaluate the benefit of different approaches is priceless and essential to your recovery.

We understand that sometimes a residential stay simply isn’t possible, but don’t use that as an excuse! If you are going to take your recovery seriously then start now.

Call Rehab Guide now of addiction advice on 02072052845