We’ve heard from so many of our clients they began using drugs or alcohol to feel relaxed, have fun, or fit in. We then hear that over time, they aren’t as relaxed as they once thought they were, they aren’t having fun anymore, and the substance causes issues socially. The party is over, and perhaps it never even began.
You might have begun noticing changes in your relationships, finances, health, or job productivity due to alcohol or other drugs. What began as experimentation progressed to fun on the weekends or to celebrate specific occasions. Before you knew it, drugs or alcohol became work. More and more effort is being spent preparing for, using, and recovering from substances like alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, and other drugs. You might notice taking more time to recover after use, taking more time to gain access to your drug of choice, and taking time to hide or cover up your use. If this is true, you are probably in the work phase of your substance use. You might also notice other negative effects like poor choices, excessive spending, secrecy, and relationship conflict. You’ve become someone you don’t recognize.
Changing your lifestyle is not as simple as staying sober. You and your friends and family hope you start to become aware of these issues with drugs and alcohol. Are you ready to accept that you need help? Asking for help can feel vulnerable and difficult. Are you truly ready to accept that your life has become unmanageable? If you or a loved one is experiencing issues with drugs or alcohol, seeking treatment can be overwhelming. We hope to make the decision a little easier by offering flexible scheduling and payment options.
We now know that most times alcohol and drug use is caused by trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. Some people describe their reason to use as a way to escape or to numb. They are uncomfortable with sitting in their emotions, or effectively handling their problems. Unfortunately drugs and alcohol can only make the problems worse, or delay the negative impact.
Sometimes talking to friends and family about your use can cause additional stress, or crippling guilt or shame. This is why seeking counseling from someone unrelated to you is beneficial. With your counselor you will have an unbiased person to help navigate your road to recovery. At Room for Change, your counselor can provide healthy ways of coping with the stressors of life, while also providing support for you to better explore what may have caused your substance use. We do not shame or judge you for what you are struggling with. We care about people who are unable to care about themselves, and that may include you. If you or a loved one are experiencing issues with drugs or alcohol, call 214-385-5445 to set up your appointment today.