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How Do I Know It’s Time to Ask For Help?

Learning to ask for help can be a difficult skill to practice. This is especially true when you need help with things that are scary, embarrassing, complicated, or inconvenient. Admitting you need help with your substance use is hard enough, but actually seeking out help can feel overwhelming. Luckily, we’re here to help. If you’re wondering if it’s time to ask for help, you’re in the right place! We’ll help you determine if you have a problem, what to expect when you ask for help, and how Sage Recovery can help you heal healthily.

How Do I Know if I Have a Problem?

It can be difficult to admit you may have a problem with substance use. If you do admit you have a problem, how do you know if you need professional help? The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has given some guidelines so people can know when to ask for help. SAMHSA explains, “One of the most important signs of substance addiction or dependence is continued use of drugs or alcohol despite experiencing the serious negative consequences of heavy drug or alcohol use.”

If your substance use has begun to interfere with your work, personal relationships, or health, it may be time to reach out to professionals. The good news is that, no matter how long you’ve been using substances, there’s never a bad time to ask for help. There is no such thing as asking for help too early or too late. Experts are available to help you whenever you’re ready to heal.

If you or someone you know are in danger, please contact emergency services immediately. Again, it’s never too early to ask for help. The sooner help is received, the sooner healing can begin.

What to Expect When You Ask For Help From Treatment Centers

When you contact a treatment center for the first time, they will likely ask you for more information about yourself and your history of substance use. They will want to know what types of substances you’ve used, how frequently you use them, and how long you’ve been using for. This type of information is important for them to know, as it will help them determine what type of treatment will be most beneficial for you.

Next, they may want to set up a meeting to discuss whether you qualify for residential or outpatient treatment, as well as specifics about your goals for treatment and financial situation. This appointment may be in-person or virtual, depending on schedule availability and distance.

You are also welcome to ask them any questions you may have, including inquiries about:

When searching for treatment facilities to attend, it’s important to verify that the clinicians are licensed and specialize in some type of addiction medicine. This will ensure that the care you receive will be legal, in your best interest, and safe.

Additionally, it is important to find a treatment center that treats co-occurring disorders. Co-occurring disorders are when two diagnoses influence each other, like substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health disorder. These two are often intertwined, as substance use is typically a symptom of something deeper. Statistics show that substance use often begins as a way to self-medicate mental or emotional turmoil. As a result, the treatment center should be able to treat all the co-occurring disorders simultaneously. Substance use cannot subside until the reason for substance use is revealed and dealt with healthily.

Common Treatments Used for SUD

While treatment should be catered to your individual needs and goals, certain evidence-based techniques are commonly used for SUD treatment. This is because evidence supports the success of the techniques. The most common types of evidence-based treatment include:

Clinicians may also combine evidence-based treatment with other techniques, in hopes of the techniques complementing each other and leading to healing healthily. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) explains that the goal of complementary treatments will fulfill the patient’s nutritional, psychological, and physical needs. NCCIH gives examples of complementary treatments, such as yoga and mindful eating. Yoga fulfills psychological and physical needs, while mindful eating incorporates nutrition and psychological needs.

As previously stated, each person’s treatment plan varies based on their individual needs, as well as the clinician’s expertise and available resources.

How Sage Recovery Will Help When You Ask For Help

Here at Sage Recovery, we know how difficult it can be to ask for help. As a result, we want to make sure that we set you up for success from the very beginning. Whether you enroll in outpatient or residential treatment, our customizable treatment plans are created to be as unique as you are. We want to prioritize your health, as well as your family’s, your goals, and make sure you have all the tools you need to heal healthily. Our entire staff is extensively trained to provide trauma-informed care. Therefore, you can rest easy knowing that, no matter who you come in contact with, you’ll be treated with dignity and respect.

We pride ourselves on our clinicians’ abilities to use evidence-based treatments, as well as innovative ones. Some of the innovative techniques we’ve seen success from include:

Asking for help from substance use is a big step. Here at Sage Recovery, we understand the amount of courage it takes to want to heal from the hard things you’ve been through. Substance use doesn’t have to control your life forever. Healing is possible! We understand that it may difficult to make the first step. That’s why we make sure friendly, compassionate staff members are available at all times. Whether you just want to learn about the process of enrolling in a treatment or you’re ready to attend, we’re here to help you. Reach out to us at (512) 306-1394 when you’re ready to find out more. We’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.