Shame is one of the foundations that addiction continue to build on once it’s taken root. It can make you feel as if you couldn’t possibly deserve anyone’s help, or even your own effort. It’s one of the biggest reasons people delay or never seek help for their addiction to drugs or alcohol. The thought of asking for help can make you feel weak, or angry, like you’ve gotten yourself into this, now get your own self out of it. Asking for help when you’re struggling with addiction is the furthest thing from weak; instead, it shows a courage some people will never find themselves. You’re willing to open up to someone,whether it’s a doctor, a family member or a trusted friend, and tell them what is likely one of your hardest statements to ever say: I have an addiction. That’s true courage, and when you’re ready to take that step and face your addiction head on, that’s exactly what you’ll need. The first step of that is reaching out for help.
When you finally reach out, you may likely feel extremely uncomfortable with the situation and trying to have the conversation. It may be physically hard for you to say the words, but it’s important that you do; saying it out loud gives you back control, even just an inch of it, enough to say “enough is enough.” It’s okay for this to be hard, and scary, or even embarrassing. You could be doing it in a comfortable home environment, or even in a hospital bed or police station, and the situation in which you finally admit to having and addiction and reach out for help can make it a harder hurdle to jump, but the important thing is doing it. You’re ready to take back your life, and it’s okay to need help in doing so.
Even people who have never struggled with addiction in their life need help sometimes. In a way, asking for help when you’re finally ready, whether it’s with going to treatment the first time or asking for help later in sobriety, is giving you an opportunity to pay it forward to someone else. By taking charge and getting the help you need, you’re setting yourself up for success, which means you’ll be living a healthier, longer life. Deciding to live means you’ll be around to help someone who needs you. At The Springboard Center, you have the tools you need at your disposal and people to guide you into healthy habits throughout the residential or outpatient programs offered. It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s the most important thing you can do for your health. Every minute spent in addiction is a minute to long, so put your health first and make the call today: 432-620-0255.
