When to Go to Rehab | Online Alcohol & Drug Treatment

Right this minute, at least 21 million Americans are battling dependency to alcohol, pain pills, benzos, heroin, and other substances. Most will never seek help. The Addiction Center estimates that about 10% of individuals with substance use disorder will enter rehab – meaning nearly 19.1 million go without any treatment. It seems that factors blocking millions from finding resources and support are insurmountable. Stigma, fear, shame, lack of support, and high costs make rehab difficult to access. Still, drug and alcohol rehab saves lives., and treatment could save your or your loved one’s life. Knowing when to go to rehab is a critical factor that can make it easier to achieve long-term sobriety.

Speak with an addiction specialist to understand what types of programs or resources are available and how each is tailored to fit individual needs. Contact our 24/7 support line here 833-90-AspenRidge Virtual Care.

Alcohol and drugs are a leading cause of death globally. An American dies every 19 minutes from an overdose of prescription opioids and heroin. Excessive alcohol consumption is responsible for over 95,000 deaths per year. The drug epidemic claims countless lives each year, impacting millions of families and devastating communities.

Rehab is a crucial step in recovering from an addiction. However, far too many people don’t receive the necessary treatment.

when to seek addiction treatment

Substance Abuse Effects Users Differently

There are various explanations of why some individuals are more likely to use alcohol and drugs. These factors can help determine what types of treatment are needed and, more importantly, help identify when going to rehab should be considered. Biological causes, such as a family history of drug or alcohol abuse, can sway a person’s decision to seek substance use sooner. Having a genetic predisposition increases the chances of developing an addiction and means that the topic of treatment should be addressed sooner in most cases.

Research shows that adolescents who begin drinking under the age of 15 are four times as likely to develop alcohol addiction later in life. Taking preventive measures to educate younger generations on the dangers of alcohol abuse may prevent rehab from being a necessary step.

In general, substance abuse disorder is complex and can be attributed to social, genetic, and environmental factors. The type of substance used and frequency of use matters, too.

For some, addiction can happen quickly. For others, it’s gradual. You don’t have to hit rock bottom to find resources and online addiction programs and plans that are right for you.

A study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that one in five patients given ten-day opioid prescriptions become long-term users. This shows that as the length of time a person uses alcohol or drugs increases, so does the risk of becoming addicted. It’s crucial to identify the early signs of abuse to prevent long-term health consequences.

Some of the most addictive substances used today include:

  • Cocaine
  • Heroin
  • Nicotine
  • Alcohol
  • Methamphetamine

Measuring the addictive nature of the substance used may indicate how much sooner the treatment is needed. Not sure when to go to rehab? Experts recommend taking a short assessment to better understand your interactions with drugs and current mental health concerns. There’s no better time for recovery than right now.

Addressing Mental Health Concerns

An unhealthy dependence on drugs and alcohol can often stem from isolation, loneliness, depression, and other mental health factors.

Addiction is a disease that impacts brain circuitry by disrupting its natural reward cycle. Abuse can change the way a person behaves and even thinks. Are you wondering when to go to rehab? The answer is simple: start now, especially when it means addressing wellness through mental health care. Counseling may be beneficial no matter the stage of drug use.   

Co-occurring psychiatric conditions, or dual diagnosis, are common among those who abuse drugs. When seeking treatment for substance use disorder, it’s crucial to address both problems. Mental health should always be a top priority to avoid the spiral of self-medicating.

In 2019, 9.5 million American adults between 18 and 25 were diagnosed with at least one co-occurring disorder alongside a substance use disorder. Among this group, only 742,000 people (7.8%) received treatment for both a substance use disorder and mental health disorders simultaneously. – American Addiction Center

People with one disorder eventually develop at least one more co-occurring mental health condition in their life. Co-occurring disorders can worsen the level of severity between each condition. Researchers have identified three possible mechanisms that may explain why co-occurring disorders are so prevalent:

  1. Overlapping Risk Factors
  2. Self-medicating
  3. Drug-induced brain changes

Addressing these underlying factors can help to prevent long-term SUD. The right time to seek counseling support is today.  

Quick Facts:

Co-occurring substance abuse problems and mental health issues are more common than many people realize. According to reports published in the Journal of the American Medical Association:

  • Roughly 50% of individuals with severe mental disorders are affected by substance abuse.
  • 37% of alcohol abusers and 53% of drug abusers also have at least one serious mental illness.
  • Of all people diagnosed as mentally ill, 29% abuse alcohol or drugs.

Signs of Drug Abuse and When to Go to Rehab

The effects of drugs can be unpredictable and inconsistent. However, common signs and symptoms can reveal deeper, problematic behaviors. Mitigating the risks and toxicity of ongoing drug use reduces the potential for lethal overdose.

Determining when to go to rehab depends on the severity and number of symptoms of addiction. One of the initial signs you may have an addiction are destructive behaviors driven by uncontrollable cravings. A few examples include:

  • Increased tolerance. Taking more of a substance to get the same effects is one of the first signs of a possible addiction.
  • Symptoms of withdrawal. These differ depending on the severity and type of addiction, but common symptoms include cravings, constipation or diarrhea, trembling, seizures, sweating, irritability, mood swings, restlessness, feelings of discomfort, and abnormal behavior (such as violence).
  • Changes in appetite. Marijuana use may increase it, while cocaine use may do the opposite. Additionally, opioid use may cause nausea and alter an individual’s appetite.
  • Alcohol- or drug-related injury. These may be directly caused by substance abuse (such as alcohol-related brain damage) or indirectly (such as HIV transmission from injection drug use).
  • Insomnia. Insomnia is one of the most common signs of withdrawal and addiction.
  • Changes to appearance. Over time, an individual may begin to neglect their health and appearance. They may not wash their clothes or use proper hygiene. They may also gain or lose weight.

signs of drug abuse and treatment

When to Go to Rehab

Dr. Paul Thomas addiction medicine specialist and author of  The Addiction Spectrum, suggests that “addiction is more of a sliding scale that factors in the severity of the addiction as well as life events, genetic predisposition, and other contributing factors.” Dr. Thomas also asserts that our generalization of the disease means more people miss out on opportunities to turn around a problematic habit before it gets out of control. This notion suggests that some individuals may be ”more addicted” than others.

It raises an appropriate question. If addiction ranges from moderate to severe, how do you know if you actually have a problem? And when should rehab be considered? In general, specialists agree that you don’t have to hit rock bottom to turn a potentially destructive habit around. Seeking resources and rehab services sooner can reduce detrimental health effects. 

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-5), there are currently 11 factors used to determine placement on the addiction spectrum. There is a range of behaviors measuring from low-risk use to hazardous use.

Alcohol and Drug Treatment Options

Rehab is a place for those suffering from addiction to start over. Treatment allows individuals to explore why they have ended up where they are and the chance to get back on track in their lives. It isn’t just detoxing with a side of therapy. Rehabilitation is the process of restructuring life so individuals can move forward without falling prey to relapse.

Further, technology has ushered in a new way to connect. In the wake of a pandemic, telehealth is more important than ever. AspenRidge Virtual Care is creating accessibility for those in need. Because treatments are provided in-home, more individuals suffering from addiction can integrate evidence-based care with daily life obligations and stresses. 

Alcohol use disorder is a well-defined mental illness, not unlike depression, and it’s a well-known public health crisis. Still, many suffering from the disorder are unable or unwilling to seek treatment due to the stigma associated with addiction. Receiving online help to stop drinking provides thousands with the opportunity of completing an addiction program with anonymity. It is both a convenient and effective form of treatment and creates accessibility to proven methodology for overcoming SUD.

knowing when to go to rehab

AspenRidge’s Online Addiction Treatment

No matter where you live, you can enroll in AspenRidge’s AspenRidge Virtual Care online counseling for alcohol and drug addiction. All you need is access to the Internet link and a handheld or desktop device.

As with all of AspenRidge’s alcohol treatment and rehab programs, AspenRidge Virtual Care has several options. These are geared to patient needs and preferences.

When you choose the AspenRidge Virtual Care online Intensive Outpatient program, you can expect to meet in individual and group sessions virtually. This will occur via video conferencing on AspenRidge’s secure platform. The frequency and duration of these sessions vary with the program option selected. 

Our licensed therapists and certified staff members are knowledgeable and supportive. The methodologies deployed through our programs often involve various approaches that can alleviate strong, negative emotions. These treatment options include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Group Support
  • Ongoing Individual Therapy
  • Co-Occurring Treatment Options
  • Life skills training
  • Holistic Treatment
  • 12-Step Programs

Of course, we also treat a wide range of specific substances, which are listed here. Online treatment programs make it possible to receive recovery care while still maintaining a flexible schedule. AspenRidge Virtual Care methodologies prove to support clients through recovery and long-term. We can address fear and healthy coping mechanisms to combat any doubt and uncertainty. We strive to remain transparent in our process and, during client intake, we provide a full assessment to address some of the concerns listed above.

Our licensed therapists can give you the tools you need to find relief from addiction. Contact us today at 833-90-AspenRidge Virtual Care.