For many people, the hardest part of addiction recovery is that very first step. You know you have a problem and that your substance use has gotten out of control, but the idea of getting sober stirs up a lot of unsettling emotions. You may be confused, stressed, scared and full of uncertainty. Yet, it’s important to remember that recovery is your pathway to a healthier life, free from substance misuse and addiction.
If you’re unsure about starting your recovery journey, here are some things to think about as you take those first steps.
Is a Treatment Program Really Necessary?
The short answer is yes. No matter how severe your addiction is now, relapse is always a risk that could send you back where you started or even deeper into drug use. A treatment program with professionally trained addiction experts will help you more effectively face the physical, emotional and mental side effects of drug addiction. The right program will teach you skills for avoiding relapse and moving forward if it does occur.
For those struggling with opioid use disorder, treatment programs like the ones we offer at HealthCare Resource Centers are backed by years of research. With cutting-edge personalized approaches, like medication-assisted treatment combined with addiction counseling, you can focus on your recovery and stay the course.
How to Get the Answers You Need
You’ve heard that the first step to recovery is admitting to yourself that you have a problem. Yet, this step is often the hardest. If you’re unsure about recovery, that’s okay. Take some time and get clarity. Don’t wait to hit rock bottom before you get help, though. Here are some ways to get the answers you need.
1. Reach Out to a Loved One
A close friend or family member can provide you with an outside perspective. Often, the people who love you the most are the first ones to recognize the unsettling changes drug use has brought about. If a loved one thinks it’s time for you to get help, be open to this difficult yet honest truth.
2. Speak With Your Physician
Your doctor is bound by patient confidentiality. That means you don’t have to worry about speaking with your physician openly about your drug use. They can offer advice from a medical and scientific viewpoint and recommend treatment options.
3. Research
The internet is a boundless source of information when it comes to your recovery treatment options. Although it’s important to find authoritative sources, researching drug misuse and addiction will help you know the early warning signs to look out for and guide you on your next steps.
4. Talk to a Professional Who Specializes in Addiction
During your research, you’ll undoubtedly encounter many drug addiction treatment programs. Choosing the right one may feel overwhelming. However, you can always call ahead or schedule an appointment to learn what the program is like. At HealthCare Resource Centers, we welcome questions about our medication-assisted treatment programs. We want to help you feel comfortable as you take your first steps toward a healthy, drug-free life.
If you struggle with opioid use disorder and would like to learn more about our addiction treatment services, please contact us today to speak with a member of our team.
