The normalisation of substance abuse has resulted in a few things becoming part of our society.
First of all, the UK has a big problem with our drinking culture. It is not only seen as normal to go out for a drink pretty much every night, specifically to get drunk after work. But it is also seen as rude to refuse to drink.
Substance abuse has become so ingrained in our culture that peer pressure has evolved from something only expected from teenagers are parties into social etiquette.
When alcohol abuse is practically encouraged, it is very easy to miss the warning signs of a dependency being developed. As a result, many people live with the dependence for years, believing they have simply developed a higher tolerance than others.
Just because substance abuse is done during socialising doesn’t mean it isn’t still dangerous and eventually isolating. Secondly, with people being more aware of substance abuse through its portrayal in the media, perceptions can be changed.
In some ways, this is a good thing.
It opens up the conversation about people living with a drug or alcohol dependency. They can be seen as more than a criminal that they were once only ever portrayed as.
However, it also has the side effect of causing many not to realise they have a drug or alcohol dependency because casual substance abuse is so often used for comedy in TV and movies. Even when it is taken as the serious issue that it is in real life, the portrayal of a drug or alcohol dependency can set certain expectations for people who see it.
Some people will deny they have developed a drug or alcohol dependency because their expectations of what one looks like, thanks to the media, don’t line up with what they personally experience.
Finally, along with substance abuse becoming more common, so has the number of people seeking help for a drug or alcohol dependency.
Admitting yourself to Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Wokingham
Now more than ever, people are turning to drug and alcohol rehab centres in Wokingham to help them. This is primarily due to the destigmatisation surrounding people living with a drug or alcohol dependency.
In the past, people with a dependency were villainised, leading to many not seeking help due to fear of being punished. However, it has now become socially acceptable to seek help for your mental health.
A drug or alcohol dependency is as much a mental health problem as it is a physical one. The two can not be separated.
People are now more open to the idea of therapy, and it is no longer a taboo subject that is whispered about. In fact, many younger people are proud of getting help and the progress they make along the way.
There is a clear shift, and it is no longer considered shameful to seek help for a drug or alcohol dependency. Instead, it is simply a complex medical issue that requires specialised medical treatment.
However, despite this, many people continue to live with a drug or alcohol dependency because they either don’t realise they have one or because they are afraid of getting the help they need. Suppose you are hesitant about getting help for a drug or alcohol dependency. In that case, it is time to ask yourself why exactly that is.
More often than not, if you are asking yourself if you need to find a drug and alcohol rehab centre in Wokingham, you already have your answer. People who don’t need rehabilitation services do not ask themselves if they need help.
How to tell if you have a drug or alcohol dependency
It can be challenging to figure out when exactly a bad habit of substance abuse develops into a full-blown drug or alcohol dependency. A good indicator to look out for is a high tolerance.
Many people misidentify a high tolerance for substance abuse as a sign they can have more without any risks. However, it is, in fact, proof that your body has gotten used to the drugs and alcohol in your system, and you now need more and more to achieve the same effect as you once had.
This occurs because when you first abuse substances, you create a rush of the feel-good chemical dopamine. Over time your brain becomes used to this little extra rush, and it becomes your normal levels.
So your brain begins to crave more to experience that rush again. So it is a cycle of use and building a tolerance that leads to even more substance abuse and so on.
But you may still not be convinced. Well, there is undeniable proof of drug or alcohol dependency.
If you go any period of time without abusing any substances, do you experience the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Chills
- Hot flashes
- Migraine
- Muscle pain
- Muscle cramps
- Tremors
- Dehydration
- Increased appetite
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Diarrhoea
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
These are known as withdrawal symptoms, and they can be very dangerous if experienced alone. So please, if you experience any of these symptoms, get to a medical facility as soon as possible.
The withdrawal symptoms are the result of your brain panicking that its cravings are being ignored. Within a drug and alcohol rehab centre, you will work through these in a safe process known as the detox which will last around ten days.
During this time, you will be monitored by fully trained medical staff night and day.
They are there to keep you as safe and as comfortable as possible. But, of course, a vital part of that is being able to administer medication to relieve the withdrawal symptoms should they prove too much for your body to handle.
Withdrawal symptoms can be very dangerous, but they are definitive proof you are living with a drug or alcohol dependency.
Don’t be afraid
We understand that just the idea of checking yourself into a drug and alcohol rehab centre in Wokingham may feel too much. It is easy to let fear take you over, to let it decide you are going to ignore the help available to you because it’s easier.
If you step on a nail, you don’t leave it in your foot because you know taking it out will hurt. You understand that a short amount of pain and discomfort will make the situation better and allow you to begin to heal.
Drug and alcohol rehab is needed so that you can begin to heal and one day achieve long-term recovery. At OK Rehab, we are here to make this entire process as easy and painless for you as possible.
We do this by taking the time to get to know you and your needs. We then are able to refer you to a drug and alcohol rehab centre in the Wokingham area that has the best possible facilities to cater for your needs.
This is just the first step in a very long journey. Unfortunately, we can’t promise it will be easy. In fact, it will be one of the hardest things you will ever do.
But we can promise that you will come out the other side of this so much happier and healthier than you can ever imagine. The next step you need to take is to give us a call on 0800 326 5559 and let us handle the rest.
The work starts here, and the rest of your life begins tomorrow. We know you can do this, we believe in you, and we can’t wait to hear from you soon.
Good luck.
