Talking to your doctor or healthcare professional is the first step in getting care for issues with alcohol dependence or drug abuse. Alcohol abuse causes liver damage and liver-related diseases in the long run; similarly, using drugs can change your brain’s chemical activity. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor and get treated.
Signs of addiction
The first signs of alcohol or drug addiction include an increased urge to take the drug or drink alcohol on a regular basis and spending excessive amounts of money on the substance. Other symptoms include being withdrawn from family or friends (becoming anti-social), losing motivation, and neglecting hygiene. Psychological problems include anxiety, depression, or mood swings. Medical problems include sleep disorders, high blood pressure, stomach pain, and sexual dysfunction. Physical habits include trembling or shaking hands whenever a person tries to delay substance intake or plans on withdrawing it.
Take help from the family doctor
Taking your situation to a doctor about a drinking problem or drug addiction can be a little scary, but it is important to tell them about your situation in detail. This will make things clear and aid in providing you with the necessary medications or therapy. It all starts with starting a simple conversation and keeping it honest.
Based on your drinking habits and the drugs abused, the doctor may prescribe suitable medications to help with mood changes such as irritability, anger, depression, and anxiety. The doctor will also provide medications to deal with sleep problems and medications to treat alcohol dependence and drug abuse. The doctor will review your vitals each week (blood pressure, blood sugar, etc.) and adjust your medication doses as per your improvement.
Take medications as prescribed
Different treatment combinations are given to a person trying to overcome the addiction; these include:
- Physical therapy or massage therapy for relief from pain, anxiety, or insomnia
- Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises or meditation, for relief from stress
- Non-opioid painkillers to relieve pain if the above methods don’t show an effect
- Tranquillizers, muscle relaxants, and narcotic medicines
- Antidepressants
- Certain drugs specific to overcome the addictions
Depression is one of the major issues an individual faces during recovery from alcohol or drug abuse. Individuals should take only the prescribed amount of medication. Do not self-medicate.
You may also be advised to join self-help groups. It is an important part of the recovery journey. Listening to similar experiences from people who have overcome obstacles can motivate others to achieve their goals. These groups provide peer support and facilitate personal, social, and structural change for the individual. Such groups provide help in expressing themselves and overcoming depression.
Seek help!
Substance abuse gradually paves the way to addiction, affecting physical health, mental health, or both. It is important to remember that every addiction is treatable, and one must seek a doctor’s help, use medications as prescribed, and take the necessary steps to overcome this to avoid long-term negative effects on health. An individual’s determination, family or friends support, and self-help groups are crucial for complete recovery.