The choice to go to rehab and take back the control of one’s life is one of the most important and meaningful decisions that an addict can make. A drug or alcohol abuser may put this decision off and not consider it to be time sensitive because he or she is scared of the hard work and change that is required to complete a drug and alcohol rehab program. A drug or alcohol abuser should be aware of how dangerous the addiction is and how important it is to seek treatment right away. Without outside professional help from a drug and alcohol rehab program, the abuser may spiral deeper into addiction. The longer someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, the longer it can take to stop the addiction and successfully complete a rehab program.
Sometimes drug or alcohol abusers don’t comprehend how their behavior affects friends or family members around them. The abuser may become a different person while under the influence and may treat loved ones negatively. He or she may also be in financial trouble from spending money on the addiction and may abuse a loved one’s generosity.
An addict may also be a danger to his or her own well-being and body.According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, one-quarter of all emergency room visits are alcohol-related. Someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol is more likely to be hurt or arrested, especially if out in public or trying to operate a motor vehicle.
The increased chance of hurting themselves or their loved ones should be enough to convince alcohol or drug abusers to attend a drug and alcohol rehab program. More than likely, the family of the abuser isn’t happy to be around the abuser and feels used or hurt by their actions. The strain that is placed on an abuser’s relationships with loved ones and friends can usually be mended if he or she attends rehab and changes the abusive behaviors in a timely manner. Attending a drug and alcohol rehab program and showing family the willingness to change may be just what is needed to heal the broken relationships an abuser is surrounded by.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, one of the best ways for an abuser to consider rehab is to write down all the times he or she has hurt someone or felt ashamed of behavior while under the influence. Asking friends or family members to be brutally honest and talk about the times they felt abused or ashamed of the addict can also help convince him or her that outside help is needed.
Alcohol and drug abuse can bring on many consequences that should convince an abuser that a drug and alcohol rehab program might be the first step toward a healthy life.