Most people begin using substances on an occasional basis, perhaps to relax or unwind after a long, stressful day at work. Perhaps that sounds like you, and now that your substance use has progressed, you’re wondering what the first signs are that you might have a substance abuse problem.
It is important to know that you’re not alone. There are many people who were curious about different types of substances, and they began using them as a way to escape their stress. However, casual substance use can quickly turn into a problem. Fortunately, there are places you can turn to for substance abuse help, and you can also learn valuable substance abuse prevention tips.
Substance Abuse Help
If you or someone you love is struggling with drug abuse, substance abuse help is available to you. Substance abuse counseling not only addresses the abuse itself, but it works to help you learn the tools you need for complete healing. You might not know why you began abusing substances, or why you feel compelled to continue to use them. There may be underlying issues that you need to deal with, but have been putting off for years. A solid substance abuse program is designed to address these types of issues so that you will not only come to understand your addiction, but you can also overcome it as you learn the keys to substance abuse prevention.
There are many signs that indicate that you have a substance abuse problem, and some of them can go unnoticed for a long period of time.
Increasing Frequency
It’s possible that when your road to abuse began, you only used your drug of choice occasionally. For many people, they used with friends or at a party, and they were able to walk away from the situation and not think about it too much again until they had another opportunity. That is how substance abuse begins for many abusers. As time goes on, they begin to notice they’re using more and more often, even when they’re alone.
Increasing Dependency
Have you been noticing an increase in your dependence on your substance of choice? You can remember a time when you didn’t feel dependent on it at all, but now you might feel like you can’t even leave your house in the morning until you use. You may hurry home from work at the end of the day to use, or seek out spaces of free time to get a quick fix. This increase in dependency on drugs is very common, and it’s a definite sign that your substance abuse has become a serious problem and may have evolved into an addiction.
Increasing Isolation
For most users, as time goes on, they feel a need for isolation. As a result, school, work and social situations are no longer important to them unless they will be able to use while they’re there. It’s common for them to drop out of school or even quit their jobs because the high they experience from drugs is much more appealing and they feel that it’s also much more necessary.
If you’ve been wondering if you have a substance abuse problem, and you can relate to these three signs, substance abuse counseling can help you. As an experienced Toronto addictions therapist, I’ve worked with many others who were in similar situations, and I’ve helped them find the healing and freedom they needed.
With the right type of substance abuse counseling and a commitment to get well, you can overcome your substance abuse problem and embrace your life as it was meant to be lived. To set up your appointment, please contact me.
