Addiction is often something you think will never happen to you but the fact is that it can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. If you think you may have a problem, addiction recovery in St. Petersburg can be a tremendous help. If you’re not sure whether or not you have an addiction, read on to see if the following sounds familiar:

1. You Feel Guilty About the Drugs You’re Taking

If you’re taking a prescription drug for a particular condition, for example, blood pressure medication, there’s obviously no reason to feel guilty or defensive about it. However, if you’re taking pain-relieving drugs and feel guilty or ashamed before doing so, there’s probably a reason why.

2. Your Performance at School or Work Is Suffering

Any time a doctor prescribes drugs, it’s in an effort to improve your health and well-being. If a drug you’re taking is having an adverse effect on your ability to attend school or complete work, yet you feel compelled to continue taking it, you may have an addiction.

3. You’ve Tried to Cut Back or Stop But Can’t

If reducing the amount of drugs you are taking or stopping altogether makes you feel sick, you are most likely experiencing withdrawal symptoms. If you are not only physically unable to stop taking a drug but also psychologically unable to do so, that is a clear sign to seek help.

4. You Feel Like It’s Impossible to Live Without Drugs

When struggling with addiction, it’s easy to forget that at one time, you lived successfully without drugs. If the thought of running out of a particular drug terrifies you or if you’ve done things you normally wouldn’t (such as stealing or lying) to get more of a drug, there is definitely a problem.

If any of the above applies to you, you may be struggling with addiction. The good news is that help is available and you don’t have to be alone as you seek assistance in quitting.

Admitting that you’re facing an addiction is the very first step in your recovery and if you’re reading this, you’re in the right place. Congratulations! You’re on your way there. When it comes to drug and alcohol dependence, reaching out for help is perhaps the hardest challenge, especially if you’re not quite sure where to turn. If you’re hesitant to reach out to somebody you trust, consider these vital components:

Asking for Help Shows No Sign of Weakness

On the contrary, asking for help shows that you’re stronger than you realize and that you’re brave enough to take on recovery.

There’s No Reason to be Embarrassed
Many times, we avoid asking for help because we’re too ashamed to ask. Don’t be! Reaching out for help shows just how strong you are, and if you’re asking somebody you trust, chances are, they won’t pass any judgments whatsoever.

Now is Always the Right Time
You may feel that you’re too far along in your dependency and that there’s nothing to be done. No matter how far along in your addiction you may be – whether it’s a newly rooted dependency or has been in effect for years, there’s always hope and there is also help to be offered.

Fear is common in recovery, especially in the very beginning phases. Keep these vital thoughts in mind as you begin to consider reaching out for help!