Are You Seeking Treatment for Your Addiction?

It’s Time to Ask for Help.

If you’re seeking treatment for addiction, asking for help may seem overwhelming. As addicts, we are used to hiding our drug and alcohol use from friends, family, and coworkers. But many of us want and need help, but fear and shame prevent us from asking for it.

Addiction is a challenging and complex issue that no one should face alone. It can be difficult to ask for help when dealing with addiction. Still, it is an important step in the process of recovery.

For teens and young adults seeking addiction treatment, asking for help is essential since parents are often instrumental in finding a treatment facility. But adult addicts also struggle with telling their loved ones they need treatment. The conversation may not be easy but having it may be the best thing you ever do for yourself (and your family!)

How to Ask for Help with Your Addiction

You can do this!

If you’re battling addiction, you’re suffering from a disease. Please know that you’re a sick person – not a bad one. If you were suffering from any other medical illness, would you hesitate to see the doctor? Probably not! So, before talking to your family or even your employer, remember that there is no shame in being sick. Everyone needs help from time to time, in life. And that’s ok!

Telling your loved ones that you’ve been abusing drugs or alcohol can seem overwhelming. They may not know you’re struggling with addiction, and the conversation may surprise them. It may not be the easiest conversation you ever have, but it certainly can be the most important one. Here are some tips for starting the conversation.

Plan What You Want to Say

Everyone plans differently. You may want to organize your thoughts in your head or prefer to jot down some notes before speaking with your loved ones. Try to have the conversation when calm and focused and don’t overcomplicate it. All you really need to say is that you’re struggling with addiction and want to get help and recover.

Bring a Friend

Telling your family about your addiction is stressful. Having someone there to support you may help you and your family. You may feel more comfortable having a trusted friend or loved one with you when you have the conversation.

Explain Why Your Need Their Support

Your family may not understand that addiction is a disease or that stopping on your own is not an option. Statistics show that addiction and mental health treatment improve the odds of long-term sobriety. Explain that not getting help for addiction puts your mental and physical well-being at risk, can result in legal complications (if it hasn’t done so already), job loss, and a host of other negative consequences. And tell them their love and support are also key to your success in recovery.

Manage Your Expectations

Remember, talking about your addiction and asking for help is as stressful for your loved ones as it is for you. Addiction is a disease that impacts the whole family, so allow your loved ones the time to express their feelings and process what you’ve told them. They may want to revisit the conversation again in a few days. If so, make yourself available to do that with them.

Asking for Help with Addiction is a Powerful First Step

You can pave the way to a happier, healthier life with treatment and a twelve-step program!

If you’re ready to get help, congratulations! A whole new way of life is waiting for you. Breakthrough Recovery Outreach offers residential recovery programs or teens and adults that include attendance at twelve-step meetings, counseling, and other tools essential to long-term recovery.

Contact us today to find out which of our programs is right for you!