The First Steps to Finding Help for Addiction

Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
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Admitting you have a problem with drugs or alcohol can feel daunting. But it’s also the first step toward getting help and getting better. In most cases, quitting drugs or alcohol isn’t something you can do on your own. If you think it might be time to quit, here are the first steps you can take to find help.  


1. Recognize the Signs

If you’re still not sure whether you’re addicted, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do you crave alcohol or a drug or feel like you can’t control your cravings?

  • Do you use a prescription drug without a prescription, take more than prescribed, or use it for a different reason than prescribed?

  • Do you continue to use drugs or alcohol even though they have caused problems at school, home or work, or with the law?

  • Has using drugs or alcohol hurt your relationships with friends or family?
     
  • Have you tried to cut back or stop using drugs or alcohol but could not?
     

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time to get help. 

2. Decide You Want to Quit

Before any type of addiction treatment will work, you need to commit to quit. This includes understanding you control your own behavior. It doesn’t mean you won’t make any mistakes on your road to recovery. But it’s important to admit you have a problem and pledge to fight your addiction. 

3. Ask for Help

Using drugs or alcohol over a period of time causes changes in your brain. These changes make it difficult to quit on your own, even if you really want to. A good first step is to talk with your doctor. Ask if he or she can refer you to a treatment program. Another option is to meet with an addiction specialist. This type of doctor specializes in helping people overcome drug or alcohol addiction. 

Also, the government offers a hotline dedicated to addiction treatment. You can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Treatment Referral Routing Service at 800-662-HELP (4357) to find drug treatment resources in your area. 

4. Find Support

Conquering addiction takes a lot of hard work. It’s helpful to surround yourself with as much support as possible. Ask your friends and family to stand by you throughout your recovery. 

You may also benefit from joining a mutual aid group like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These groups, and others like them, have significant experience helping people cope with addiction and recovery. In many cases, your treatment program may require you to join this kind of group. 

5. Don’t Give Up

Quitting alcohol or drugs isn’t easy. But with help and support, you can succeed. If you have a relapse, don’t give up. A relapse doesn’t mean your treatment has failed. It just means you need more help and time, and perhaps a change in your treatment.

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  1. Opioid Addiction. American Academy of Family Physicians. http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/opioid-addiction.html
  2. What Is Substance Abuse Treatment? Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA14-4126/SMA14-4126.pdf
  3. What To Do If You Have a Problem With Drugs: For Adults. National Institute on Drug Abuse. http://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/treatment-research/how-to-find-help-drug-abuse-problem
Medical Reviewer: William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Last Review Date: 2020 Nov 21
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THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.