Answering the question Do I Need Drug Rehab can be difficult to answer for a variety of reasons. When it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, it’s difficult to be objective and admit you have a problem. If substance abuse is causing negative effects in your life, it’s time to take a closer look and come to terms with the fact that you might have an addiction. Once you can accept that, you’re already on the path to recovery. The next step is to decide how to get sober.

How Do I Know If My Addiction Needs Treatment?

This can be a confusing question or step if you’re questioning whether your addiction is severe enough to require rehab. No one likes to admit defeat. The 12 & 12 literature of Alcoholics Anonymous sums up step 1 like this:

No other kind of bankruptcy is like this one. Alcohol (or drugs), now become the rapacious creditor, bleeds us of all self-sufficiency and all will to resist its demands. Once this stark fact is accepted, our bankruptcy as going human concerns is complete.

Twelve Steps – Step One – (pp. 21-24)

Most believe that an addict or an alcoholic must be willing to admit to their powerlessness over their drug of choice before they are truly able to get help. Further, the American Psychiatric Association groups the symptoms of substance use disorder into four categories:

• Impaired control: a craving or strong urge to use the substance; desire or failed attempts to cut down or control substance use
• Social problems: substance use causes failure to complete major tasks at work, school or home; social, work or leisure activities are given up or cut back because of substance use
• Risky use: substance is used in risky settings; continued use despite known problems
• Drug effects: tolerance (need for larger amounts to get the same effect); withdrawal symptoms (different for each substance)

Criteria for Substance Use Disorder

Substance use disorders are classified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how many of the diagnostic criteria a person meets. The 11 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) is what psychiatrists and therapists use to diagnose mental health issues in patients. The DSM-5 criteria for a substance use disorder are:

1. Hazardous use: You have used the substance in ways that are dangerous to yourself and/or others, i.e., overdosed, driven while under the influence, or blacked out.
2. Social or interpersonal problems related to use:Substance use has caused relationship problems or conflicts with others.
3. Neglected major roles to use: You have failed to meet your responsibilities at work, school, or home because of substance use.
4. Withdrawal: When you stop using the substance, you experience withdrawal symptoms.
5. Tolerance:You have built up a tolerance to the substance so that you have to use more to get the same effect.
6. Used larger amounts/longer:You have started to use larger amounts or use the substance for longer amounts of time.
7. Repeated attempts to control use or quit:You’ve tried to cut back or quit entirely, but haven’t been successful.
8. Much time spent using: You spend a lot of your time using the substance.
9. Physical or psychological problems related to use:Your substance use has led to physical health problems, such as liver damage or lung cancer, or psychological issues, such as depression or anxiety.
10. Activities given up to use:You have skipped activities or stopped doing activities you once enjoyed in order to use the substance.
11. Craving:You have experienced cravings for the substance.

In order to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder, you must meet two or more of these criteria within a 12-month period.¹ If you meet two or three of the criteria, you have a mild substance use disorder. Four to five is considered moderate, and if you meet six or more criteria, you have a severe substance use disorder.

If you find that you meet any of the above criteria, you just may be in need of a drug rehab. Interestingly enough, by the time most determine they are in need of drug rehab intervention, their friends and loved ones have been aware of an issue for quite some time.

What to Do if Your Friends Don’t Acknowledge Your Addiction

You think you have an addiction, but your friends are telling you, “You’re fine! You don’t have a problem.” In this situation, you should ask yourself:

Do these friends also use drugs or alcohol?

If this is the case, they may be saying this to avoid losing a friend to party with. Oftentimes, these people have a problem themselves, only they don’t realize or want to admit it. If they’re a true friend, they’ll support your decision to get sober because it’s what’s best for you.

Have you been hiding your substance use from them?

If you’ve concealed this part of your life from them, they may not even be aware of the issue. This is probably the first time they’re hearing about it and can’t imagine how it could be true. They may say, “I’m your friend! How could I not know? You’re probably overreacting.” Take this as an opportunity to be open and honest with them about your addiction. You’ll need their friendship and support during your recovery.

Would you feel comfortable telling them they have a problem?

Maybe you don’t have the kind of friendship that allows for that kind of honesty. They may even be worried about ruining your relationship if they acknowledge the issue, especially if the relationship has been rocky in the past.

Unless your friend is qualified to give you a diagnosis, it’s best to have a doctor or mental health professional analyze the situation objectively.

Find a Rehab Today

Determining if you need rehab is important for anyone who wonders whether or not they might have an addiction. Addiction is a chronic disease and, if left untreated, can destroy lives. Remember that addiction is not your fault, but getting help is your responsibility.

For more information about your rehab options, talk to a recovery provider today. If you or a loved one do not desire a drug rehab, then a sober living may be your next best bet. A quality, structured sober living can offer you an environment surrounded by others seeking freedom from addiction. This brings accountability and hope. Call San Diego Sober Living today for more information.