Self-Improvement Month and Addiction

September is Self-Improvement Month! The phrase self-improvement may bring titles like the following to mind:

How to Make More Money.

How to Quit Smoking.

How to Nail that Next Job Interview.

 How to Deal with an Addiction.

There’s always some book, some podcast, or some video that will show you just how to do something. Inquiring individuals chomp at the bit to acquire more knowledge in order to be a better version of themselves, or perhaps simply put, to learn a new skill that can inevitably contribute to making them a better version of the person staring back at them in the mirror. How you see yourself will impact how you project yourself, and ultimately how others see you.

The self-improvement industry provides books, audios, seminars, conferences, and other growth-related products to improve the mental, physical, and personal well-being of individuals. In the United States, it’s an industry that is said to be valued at $11 billion.  Self-help, as well as personal and professional development, provide those with a desire to self-improve, pathways to reach varying levels of success based upon subjective and unique metrics. Even addiction treatment has connections to the self-improvement industry. When facing addiction and substance abuse, self-help can seem an obvious place to turn both when seeking treatment and maintaining recovery.

Success, Self-Help, and Treatment

When it comes to alcohol and substance abuse treatment, success may be measured differently, depending on the treatment program taken. However, the road to recovery begins with undergoing proper medical detox, treatment, aftercare, and a continuous commitment to remain in recovery each day, one step at a time, surrounded by a supportive team.

If you find yourself struggling with an addiction to alcohol and/or other substances, it’s important to reach out in order to receive professional help. Although there are many books, audios, and seminars that may help with applying a variety of methodologies on how to cope with mental illness, alcohol use disorder, or substance use disorder, it is always best to consult with a licensed physician in order to be accurately diagnosed and properly treated. 

 Alcohol, Drugs, Mental Illness, and Getting Help

Alcohol use disorder, also known as an AUD, or alcoholism, is a medical condition that a physician diagnoses when a patient’s consumption of alcohol causes harm. Roughly 1 in 10 children reside in a home with an alcoholic parent, while 17 million adults 18 and over battle with this disease.

Substance abuse is the use of illegal drugs, the improper use of over-the-counter medicines or prescriptions, and includes the misuse of alcohol.

Although mental health may be overlooked more often than physical health, both are equally important. Mental health consists of social, emotional, and psychological well-being. And when alcohol and drug addiction are added to mental illnesses like anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, or mood disorders, this will impact the way an individual interacts with others, as well as impact their behavior and emotions.

Self-help books, seminars, and the like are tools to help lead individuals in the right direction, or keep them moving in the right direction if they’re currently in recovery.

Self-Improvement Month and Addiction

Individuals shouldn’t feel like they have to deal with their addiction all alone, nor should they be afraid of asking for help from others when they need it. Working to overcome any type of addiction to substances on their own can be dangerous, and sometimes even fatal, depending on the substance abused, the amount used, and the frequency of use.

It’s important to understand that, although the self-help industry can offer a lot of advice, guidance, and support, those battling alcoholism, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders should seek professional help from licensed physicians. As the nationwide leader in addiction treatment, American Addiction Centers (AAC)  understands this commitment. This is why we provide medical detox in a safe environment, partial and residential treatment options, outpatient services, and aftercare planning with licensed physicians and staff.

Celebrate Self-Improvement Month by finding a healthy and productive way to improve in areas of your life that are important to you!