Some research suggests that certain individuals may have a greater genetic disposition to addiction but it can affect people from every background and social class.

Maidenhead

Whatever your situation, an unchecked addiction can cause untold harm – not only to yourself but to those around you.

Prolonged substance misuse can wreck your physical and psychological health, either causing or contributing to a wide range of health issues. At the more extreme end of the spectrum this can lead to death but there are also many chronic and serious illnesses and health condition related to drug and alcohol misuse.

An addiction can also put intolerable strain on relationships of all kinds, threatening your romantic, familial, social and professional relationships.

It can be extremely difficult to quit drugs or alcohol without expert help. Thankfully, there are numerous drug and alcohol treatment services that can help you to beat your addiction.

If you are struggling with these issues, attending rehab in Maidenhead could be the best move you ever make.

 

Do you need help for Drug and Alcohol Abuse?

Many people who misuse drugs or alcohol are reluctant to admit the extent of their problem. Some may downplay an addiction to loved ones, but many people will also lie to themselves. Some signs that you might have a growing addiction problem include:

  • Increased usage, including daily usage of the substance
  • Feeling bad if you do not use drugs or alcohol
  • Increased tolerance – needing more to get the same effect
  • Being dishonest or defensive about your substance use
  • Avoiding situations where you cannot drink or take drugs
  • Basing your social life and circle around drinking or drug taking
  • Anxiety about not being able to obtain the substance
  • Continuing to use the substance despite knowing there may be negative consequences

This is not an exhaustive list but if one or more of the above applies to you, it may be time to start looking for appropriate help.

As people in the grip of an addiction are often in denial, it is sometimes their loved ones who make the first move. Family and friend referral is very common and we can also find the best family drug support if you need help and advice.

Here are some signs to look out for if you think a loved one may be struggling with an addiction issue:

  • Observing them drinking or using drugs regularly
  • Secretive behaviour, downplaying and defensiveness
  • Poor performance and attendance at work or school
  • Losing interest in other activities
  • Hangovers and low-level illnesses
  • Lack of concern over appearance and personal hygiene
  • Increased temper
  • Mood swings

Again, this is not an exhaustive list but if one or more applies there might be an issue there that needs addressing.

 

When to seek help for an Addiction to Drugs or Alcohol

Realising and admitting that you have a problem is a huge step forward but there is still a lot of work to do before you are free from your addiction to drugs or alcohol.

There is no magic ‘cure’ for addiction but there are effective treatments based on evidence and years of experience that can be delivered at a rehabilitation centre.

The duration of treatment and the length of a stay in rehab can vary widely but it always pays to treat an addiction problem as soon as it is identified. The nature of addiction means that it almost always worsens over time.

Drugs interfere with the way neurons send, receive, and process signals and can affect the brain’s reward circuit. Prolonged use sees the brain build up a tolerance to the substance, meaning you need more and more for the same effect.

At the same time, the pleasure you derive from other activities and experiences becomes less and less.

This means that addiction always tends to increase over time. That can make it increasingly difficult to actually break the cycle of addiction. It also exposes you to more risk, especially as the amounts of drugs or alcohol you consume rises along with your tolerance to them.

The best time to seek help for an addiction is right now. It’s never too soon to seek help if you know you have a problem but, at the same time, it’s never too late.

Many people manage to beat their addictions after years or even decades of struggling and a professional drug and alcohol rehab in Maidenhead could help you to do the same.

 

What to expect from Rehab

There are many different rehabs around the country. We can help you to find the perfect one for your situation, whether the rehab is in Maidenhead or further afield. The facilities and treatments offered can vary but there are some common features you might expect to find.

After seeking help you will be thoroughly assessed to ensure the treatment is right for you. This may involve questionnaires, conversations and a medical examination.

This will help match you with the best place to help get you the help you need to get clean or sober and eventually make a long-term recovery.

After checking in, you will usually go through drug or alcohol detox. A supervised detox clinic is the best and safest place to do this, as drug and alcohol withdrawal can be severe. You will have all the support and appropriate medication to help get you through this very difficult part of the process.

At the other end of detoxification, you will also be offered therapy to help you to explore the root causes of your addiction and provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to prevent relapse in the future.

This may include powerful techniques like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), as well as group therapy, counselling and supplementary treatments such as music or art therapy and stress management.

Addiction can be very difficult to overcome alone but with the right addiction treatment in place it can certainly be done.

Call today to discover how drug and alcohol rehab in Maidenhead could be the best choice for you.

 

Sources

Your genes and addiction

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain