Is It Ever Too Late for Rehab

There are currently twenty-three and one-half million people addicted to drugs today.  Living with someone with an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol can almost be as painful as the person who is addicted.  What can start out as an experiment, a social habit or a prescribed drug for a medical condition can escalate into something that is so huge and out-of-control that one cannot even see that there is a problem, let alone make the decision to get help.

It is hard to believe that one person could become so dependent on something that would cause their every thought to be on how they were going to get their next drink or drug.  When one person continues a pattern of regular drug and alcohol use, it’s a slow and downward spiral.  Along the way, loving family members can only feel angry, hurt, confused, disillusioned and most of all, desperate to find a way to help their loved ones.  Friends become few as they begin to recognize a problem in the person and do not know how to help.

Extended un-treated addiction causes financial hardships, reliability issues and broken trust.

When Is It Too Late

The truth is that it is never too late to get help for a drug or alcohol addiction.  The real challenge is to be able to convince the person addicted that they need help.  Out of control behavior, inability to hold a job, lack of accountability or a show of visible harm or damage to ones’ self are all signs that a person is not in control of their life and must seek help.  It is unfortunate that in today’s society anyone 18 or older cannot be forced to go to a rehabilitation program, even in this instance.  Only if they have become involved in a legal situation, can they be court ordered.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you should never give up on them.  Even if it means taking everything away from them, like money, a cell phone, a car, and even a place to live.  By providing someone with an addiction any of the above means only makes it easier to get the drugs they need.  This is a big mistake and not helping the person.

If researched, you will see there are specific programs for specific drug use that provide solutions to help you or a loved one.  If you would ever speak to someone who has lost someone to drugs or alcohol addiction, their heart is full of regrets.  No one ever thinks or imagines that untreated drug or alcohol addiction could lead to someone’s’ death.  Only someone who has lost a son or daughter, niece or nephew, spouse or parent will tell you to recognize the signs and do everything you can to prevent another death.

Taking the necessary steps to get someone help can never be the wrong decision. It will bring overall improvement to the individual as well as the family.

Source: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-abuse-addiction