Signs You May Need Rehab

Attending a comprehensive addiction treatment program at a rehab facility is an essential first step in beginning recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction. Oftentimes people try to stop substance misuse on their own without professional help and guidance provided at a rehab facility. However, it can be extremely difficult, and in some cases, dangerous.

Recognizing the signs that you may need professional rehab is an important step in addressing issues related to addiction, substance misuse, or certain mental health conditions. If you or someone you know is experiencing several of the signs outlined in this article, it may be time to seek professional help at an addiction treatment facility or setting.

Signs You May Need Professional Rehab

Only a healthcare professional can diagnose a substance use disorder. Clinicians use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), which outlines a list of 11 criteria that indicate the probability and severity of a substance use disorder. While you should make an appointment with your primary care physician or mental healthcare provider to receive a diagnosis, which will help inform your treatment plan, it can be helpful to be aware of the signs of a substance use disorder, which include:

• Taking more of the substance or for longer than intended.
• Spending a great deal of time obtaining, using, or recovering from substance use.
• Experiencing cravings for a substance.
• Experiencing new or worsening physical or mental health issues related to substance use.
• Neglecting or being unable to fulfill responsibilities at school, work, or home due to substance use.
• Giving up work, social, and recreational activities because of substance use.
• Having relationship or other interpersonal problems that are either caused or worsened by substance use.
• Experiencing substance withdrawal symptoms when you stop using a substance or drastically cut back on your use.
• Continuing to use the substance in dangerous situations or engaging in dangerous behaviors while taking the substance.
• Experiencing increased tolerance levels, meaning it takes more of a substance to achieve the desired effect, or the same amount no longer produces the desired effect.
• Repeatedly attempting to reduce substance use or stop altogether but failing to do so.

Finding Help for Addiction

There are a variety of different levels of addiction treatment at rehab facilities throughout the nation so it’s important you seek guidance on the level of care best suited for you and your needs. The levels of care vary in intensity and may include medical detox, inpatient rehab, and/or outpatient treatment. It can be overwhelming trying to find treatment on your own as different rehab facilities provide multiple types of care for multiple different addictions. Regardless of whether or not you have insurance coverage, reach out to American Addiction Centers (AAC) to connect with a knowledgeable admissions navigator, who can help you find the right treatment option for you.