If you’re among the 46.3 million Americans who struggle with addiction, you already know that recovery is not linear. There are a lot of ups and downs during the addiction recovery process, and it’s natural to need professional help sometimes.

Read on to discuss when you should seek expert support for addiction recovery.

You Harm Yourself or Others

If you’ve just started the process of addiction recovery, you likely have recently realized that you’re harming yourself.

Even if you’re not a danger to others, drugs and alcohol have negative effects on your mind and body. They can make you feel sick, depressed, and unable to engage with your passions. They can also stop you from socializing with loved ones and keep you isolated.

If you’re realizing that you are experiencing harm from your addiction, you need professional assistance. This is especially true when you notice physical symptoms like digestive issues and impaired liver function.

Risky behaviors like driving under the influence are also a surefire sign that you need help so you don’t seriously hurt yourself or someone else. Inpatient rehab programs can remove you from these bad situations so that you can help your mind and body recover in your own time.

You Need Extra Support Because Recovery Is Not Linear

Addiction recovery is a difficult and often painful process. It’s normal to need some extra support when undergoing it. Outpatient or residential rehab programs can get you the consistent support you need for recovery from addiction.

You’ll have access to top-notch professionals who have helped other people recover from drug or alcohol addiction. This will provide you with someone to encourage you as well as answer your questions honestly and kindly.

You’ll also get support from others going through the same things as you at addiction recovery centers. Group therapy and similar activities can help you feel less alone. Being part of a community can give you the push you need to recover and improve your quality of life.

Remember: there’s always hope.

You Want to Reclaim Power

In the past, you likely felt powerless in the face of addiction. You gave the power to the alcohol or drugs that were harming you. But now, you have the chance to reclaim that power and take it back.

Professional addiction recovery care can help you adjust your mindset so you can feel powerful. Once you do, you’ll have the emotional strength to overcome your addiction.

You’ll also feel empowered to do all of the things that you couldn’t do before recovery. These activities may include passions like crafting, writing, travel, and music. If you’ve ever felt like addiction stole your freedom, an expert can help you get the strength to take that freedom and power back.

Get Addiction Recovery Care

While recovery is not linear, reclaiming your life and freedom after addiction is more than possible. Now that you know when to seek support for your addiction recovery, it’s time to get started.

Check out the “health” section of our home page to learn how you can kickstart your recovery. You may also be interested in the “lifestyle” tab if you want more information about replacing unhealthy habits with new hobbies that inspire joy.