Reaching out for help with substance use disorder

When you feel like you can’t manage your life because of substance use disorder, treatment can be a lifeline. But too often, people who could benefit from help don’t seek it because of misconceptions or misplaced fear. Making the first call for help can be intimidating for many reasons, causing people to delay or defer much-needed treatment.

“Some people may wonder if they really need help and many don’t know whom to call or what to expect when they do reach out,” says Mandy Hazel, BS, CADC,  counselor and case manager for Centerstone. These unanswered questions can act as barriers to recovery, but Centerstone is dedicated to breaking down those barriers.

Do you need help?

Start by asking yourself the following questions:

• Have you tried to reduce or control your substance use unsuccessfully?
• Do you have any legal problems as a result of substance use?
• Have you ever driven somewhere, gone to work or taken care of your children while under the influence?
• Do you continue to use even though it is having a negative impact on your relationships?
• Have you ever experienced shakes, sweats, sleeping problems, headaches, loss of appetite, paranoia or seizures when you try to stop using?
• Have you increased your substance use in order to recreate the feelings you experienced when you first started using?
• Do you isolate yourself because of your substance use?

If you answered “yes” to two or more of these questions, you could benefit from treatment.

What can you expect when you make the call?

Centerstone’s recovery specialists are understanding of your journey. To us, you are a person with an addiction, not an “addict.” Our recovery specialists know that substance use disorder is a mental health issue and will treat it as such, without any blaming or guilt trips. Our first priority is to help you reach the potential we see in you from the start.

When you reach out to Centerstone to get help, you can expect for a Centerstone staff member to guide you through sharing your history with substance use.

• What substance(s) do you currently use or have used in the past?
• Have you received treatment in the past?
• Are you experiencing intense cravings, thoughts of using, problems coping with issues, lack of focus, sleepiness, forgetfulness, mood swings or other mental challenges?
• Have you run into legal trouble due to substance use?
• What is the longest you have sustained sobriety, and what are your biggest triggers?
• What is your living situation?
• What are your feelings about coming getting recovery help from Centerstone?

Where can you find treatment?

• Centerstone is a nonprofit leader in mental health and substance use disorder treatment. You can connect with Centerstone from anywhere in the U.S. via telehealth and can find in-person treatment options in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina and Tennessee.
• Ask your medical doctor for a referral.

What kind of treatment do you need?

There are several levels of services available. Making the initial call to a treatment facility should involve an intake process that can guide you toward the right level.

• Detoxification services, often referred to as detox, can help you if you’re using or misusing substances and can’t stop on your own. Detox programs provide a safe environment and professional help to get you through withdrawal.
• Inpatient services, often referred to as residential treatment, can provide a place to live at a treatment facility where you can attend classes, as well as group or individual counselling sessions. Residential treatment can help you escape from an unhealthy living environment and transition into a recovery environment where you’re able to reduce your dependence and learn healthy living skills.
• Outpatient services are an option if you live in an environment that will not interfere with your recovery. Receiving outpatient services may include medication and weekly group or individual counseling sessions.

These treatment services often go hand in hand. If you start in detox, you can transition into inpatient and/or outpatient services.

If you would like to get connected to treatment from Centerstone, please call 1-877-HOPE123 (1-877-467-3123). We can answer your questions and help you take the first steps toward recovery.