Okay. Let’s get serious for a moment here.

You know you are struggling, a lot, with substance abuse. But is it bad enough to consider checking yourself into rehab?

For most, it is hard to accept the fact that help may be required in order to get sober. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 22.7 million individuals in America need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. But every year, less than 1% receive the help they need.

You don’t have to be physically addicted to a substance in order to benefit from rehab. Ask yourself: Is substance abuse negatively affecting my life in any way? If so, it’s time to look into whether you could benefit from receiving rehabilitation services.

We have compiled a list of warning signs, to help you determine if it’s time for you to seek treatment. Take a look:

  • Your doctor’s informed you that you have health problems – caused by your drug or alcohol abuse
  • When you stop taking the substance, you experience withdrawal symptoms
  • At some point, you’ve driven a car or recreational vehicle while under the influence
  • Friends or family members have confronted you about your substance abuse, or asked you to stop using completely
  • You’ve put yourself, or others, in harm’s way while under the influence
  • If you have lost jobs due to alcohol or drug related issues
  • You find yourself unable to quit using for any extended period of time
  • Finding yourself lying to loved ones about your drug or alcohol abuse?
  • If your freedom is hanging in the balance, due to a DUI or any other run-in with the law while under the influence
  • You want to stop drinking or using drugs, but don’t know how

With some of the warning signed addressed, how can you go about getting into a rehab center?

It may feel overwhelming, or even intimidating at first. But there are several different resources that can help you find the right treatment program for you or a loved one.

Contact your local governments Behavioral Health Division. It is part of their job to aid in the process of enrolling in a rehabilitation center. You can find the right contact through the  Directory of Single State Agencies (SSAs) for Substance Abuse Services. Also available, is the Federal Government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA), where you can search for a facility online.

For alcoholism or severe alcohol abuse, drug use, research-based and medically supported residential rehab is the most highly recommended option. In a residential rehabilitation center, the addict will receive care through the detox process, learn to implement tools and strategies that can aid in recovery and abstaining from a relapse in the future. You will also be able to find outpatient rehab options for drug and alcohol abuse through the links provided above.

The road to recovery is difficult, but possible. It may be made easier with the help from treatment and rehab facilities.