How Do I know If I Need Treatment?

If you are asking yourself if you need treatment, then it is likely you could benefit from some type of treatment, but that does not necessarily mean you need intensive or inpatient treatment. People drink and use drugs for a number of different reasons. Sometimes their use escalates and sometimes it does not. If you have tried to stop or cut down on your own and have been unable to do so, then a therapist might be able to help on an outpatient basis. Many signs and feelings suggest that treatment is the next best step for those struggling with alcohol or substance use, beyond the inability to refrain from using substances. It is important to examine your behavior and how it impacts you and those around you. There are different levels of use and a variety of treatment options. There is a difference between using drugs and having a diagnosable substance abuse disorder. Drugs include both illicit or street drugs and prescription medications. Some signs you need treatment include If your drinking or drug use is causing problems with meeting your responsibilities or if your duties are being neglected or are suffering, if you have developed tolerance, or might experience withdrawal if you stopped. Stopping to take a drink or take certain substances can result in withdrawal symptoms some of which can be life-threatening. With an increased amount of certain drugs, one will need supervised medical detoxification. If your drinking or drug use is causing significant impairment (clinically or functionally) i.e. health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home, that might be evidence of a substance use disorder and will most likely require some form of treatment. According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of substance use disorder is based on evidence of impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological criteria. So an actual diagnosis is not based on how many drinks or how much of a drug someone uses and how often. Here are some questions to ask yourself if you are wondering if you have a drinking or substance abuse problem.

1. Have you ever tried to cut down on or stop drinking or using drugs and been unable to?
2. Do you find yourself thinking about drugs a lot?
3. Do you ever drink or use drugs to escape or numb certain emotions?
4. Has your drinking or drug use lead to problems with the legal system, work, school, or relationships?
5. Have any of your friends or family members expressed concern about your drinking or drug use?
6. Are you hiding or lying about your drinking or drug use?
7. Do you think you might have a problem?
8. Are you experiencing mood swings, isolating, or withdrawing from family and/or friends?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, it would be a good idea to seek out a therapist with experience in substance abuse to help determine if treatment or what level or treatment would be best for you.