Recognizing when you need help is often the first step toward recovery. For many men, the journey begins by acknowledging that substance use has become more than just a habit—it has turned into a dependency that affects every aspect of life. If you’re questioning whether rehab might be necessary, you’re already on the right track. At Jaywalker, we understand that facing addiction is tough, but we’re here to help. This blog will guide you through the signs that it might be time to seek drug and alcohol rehab, so you can make an informed decision for your health and future.
8 Key Signs You May Have a Drug or Alcohol Addiction and Need Rehab
1. Physical and Mental Health Deterioration
One of the most noticeable signs that substance use has become a serious issue is the deterioration of your physical and mental health. Addiction can take a significant toll on your body. You might start to see changes in your appearance, like unexplained weight loss or neglecting personal hygiene. Maybe you’ve always been someone who takes care of yourself, but now, it feels like a struggle just to get out of bed or shower.
Chronic health issues might also start to creep in. Fatigue becomes a constant companion, and you might find yourself frequently sick, battling headaches, or just feeling run down all the time. This isn’t just about feeling tired after a long week—it’s a persistent exhaustion that doesn’t seem to go away, no matter how much rest you get.
Mental health struggles often go hand in hand with addiction. Anxiety, depression, and mood swings become more prevalent, and it can feel like you’re losing control of your emotions. You might find yourself feeling hopeless or trapped in a cycle of using substances to cope with how you’re feeling, only to feel worse afterward. If your mental health is on a downward spiral, it’s a sign that substance use is playing a significant role in that decline.
2. Loss of Control Over Substance Use
Have you noticed that your substance use has increased over time? Maybe you started with just a drink or two after work, but now it’s escalated to several drinks a night, or maybe you’re using substances more frequently throughout the day. This is a clear sign of loss of control. When you find yourself consuming larger amounts than you intended or using substances even when you promised yourself you wouldn’t, it’s a strong indicator that addiction is taking hold.
Another red flag is the inability to cut back, even when you’ve tried. You might have set limits for yourself, telling yourself that you’ll only use on weekends or special occasions, but those limits become harder and harder to stick to. Substance use starts to take over your daily life, becoming a priority over other responsibilities and activities.
This loss of control can be frightening. It’s easy to convince yourself that you can stop anytime you want, but if that were true, you likely wouldn’t be reading this blog. Recognizing that your substance use is no longer within your control is a crucial step in acknowledging that rehab might be necessary.
3. You Meet More Than Three Criteria for a Substance Use Disorder on the DSM-5
The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is used by professionals to diagnose substance use disorders. If you meet more than three of the criteria listed in the DSM-5, it’s a strong sign that your substance use has crossed into the realm of addiction. These criteria include things like:
- Using more of the substance or for longer than intended
- Wanting to cut down or stop using, but not being able to
- Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from substance use
- Cravings and urges to use the substance
- Not managing to do what you should at work, home, or school because of substance use
- Continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships
- Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use
- Using substances again and again, even when it puts you in danger
- Continuing to use, even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by the substance
- Needing more of the substance to get the effect you want (tolerance)
- Development of withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance
If you find yourself checking off more than three of these criteria, it’s time to seriously consider seeking help. Addiction isn’t just about how often you use a substance—it’s about how that substance affects your life. Meeting several of these criteria shows that your substance use has likely become more than just a habit, and rehab could be the next step toward reclaiming control over your life.
4. Damaged Relationships and Social Isolation
Addiction doesn’t just affect you—it impacts everyone around you, especially those closest to you. If you’ve noticed that your relationships with family and friends are strained or even broken, this could be a sign that your substance use is causing more harm than you realize. Loved ones might express concern or frustration, and you might find yourself arguing more frequently or pulling away from them altogether.
Social isolation is another common sign of addiction. You might start avoiding social situations, either because you’re embarrassed about your substance use or because you’d rather be alone to indulge in it. Activities and hobbies that once brought you joy now seem less important, and you might find yourself withdrawing from those you care about.
If your relationships are suffering and you feel increasingly isolated, it’s time to take a step back and evaluate how substance use is playing a role in these changes. Jaywalker understands the impact addiction can have on your social life and relationships, and we’re here to help you rebuild those connections in a healthier way.
5. Work or School Performance Declines
Addiction can really mess with you in the work or school department. If you notice your performance is declining, this could be a sign substance use is getting in the way of your responsibilities. Maybe you’re missing deadlines, showing up late or calling in sick more often. You’re less productive and can’t focus or complete tasks that used to be a breeze for you.
The consequences can be big. You could lose your job or if you’re in school you could be put on academic probation or even expelled. These aren’t just temporary hiccups – they can have long-term effects on your career and future opportunities.
6. Financial Problems
Addiction is expensive. Whether it’s drugs or alcohol the cost of the habit can add up fast. If you’re spending more money on substances than you have, this is a clear sign your addiction is in control of your finances. Maybe you’re neglecting bills or other financial responsibilities to fund your habit or maybe you’re borrowing or even stealing money to keep using.
Financial instability can lead to all sorts of other problems – debt, eviction or even legal trouble. If substance use is causing financial strain then it’s gone too far.
7. Legal Problems
Legal problems are another common consequence of addiction. If you’ve found yourself in trouble with the law due to substance use – a DUI, possession charges or other offenses – this is a clear sign your addiction is out of control. Legal problems can have big consequences – your freedom, your job and your relationships.
If you’re facing legal issues due to substance use then it’s time to get help. Rehab can provide the support and structure you need to break the cycle of addiction and avoid further legal trouble.
8. Frequent Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms
One of the hardest parts of addiction is the constant battle with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. If you find yourself thinking about using substances all the time or feeling intense urges to use then this is a clear sign your body and mind are dependent on them. Cravings can be overwhelming and hard to resist especially if you’re using substances to cope with stress or other emotions.
Withdrawal symptoms are another warning sign. When you’re not using you might experience physical and psychological symptoms like sweating, shaking, nausea, anxiety or irritability. These symptoms can make it feel impossible to stop using as the discomfort becomes too much to bear.
Taking the Next Step: How Jaywalker’s Rehab for Men Can Help You Overcome Addiction
If you’ve seen any of these signs in yourself then it’s time to consider rehab might be the next step. Addiction is complex and hard but you don’t have to do it alone. At Jaywalker we specialize in helping men who are struggling with substance use and provide the support and guidance to overcome addiction and build a healthier happier life.
Don’t wait until things get worse – act now. Contact Jaywalker today and get the help you need to start your recovery. Whether you’re dealing with health issues, relationship problems, or financial strain we can help you get back to a life free of addiction.
