SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Introduction
Substance abuse entails using of chemicals that alter moods and deteriorates critical thinking skills. This problem developed when I used to share my parents’ medication since the aftermath made him feel so good. He had already established his business and work career and was consuming these substances for recreational purposes. I tried consuming the products to gratify my feelings but eventually resulted into problems such as absenteeism from school and work, always planning for the next dosage, procrastinating, poor hygiene, lack of self-confidence and ill health. The substance abuse made my social structure to deteriorate and develop using friends who were not genuine if not for the drugs.
Importance
Combating substance abuse was important since being clean offers the opportunity for personal development, having a clear and sober mind, concentrating in school, work and being a functional member of the family. Addiction comes with various consequences which include getting more money through every means to sustain the habit, breaking of relationships, neglecting self, ill health and on the extreme may lead to death.
As a prominent individual who is brilliant, this disease would cost me a lot of benefits such as career development, building a relationship with God, acceptance in the family and the society in general. Freedom from the bondage of substance abuse boosted my health, made me get good grades in school, development of healthy relationships, saving money for important things and optimum performance in life. Initially, I was having the challenge of coming to reality with my problem, denial, developing strange habits and also hanging around other using mates instead of concentrating on building my life and career.
Identifying solution
My performance started deteriorating, and real friends begin to raise concerns, family members were developing resentments towards me, a lot of financial issues also problematic. However, it takes time for one to realize he or she has a problem, I used the substances of abuse and always offered excuses for doing so. I have motor vehicle injuries and other issues which were related to accidents which occurred after using the content of choice. One of the disasters was serious, and I got admission to the hospital, at this point is when the doctor helped me in realizing I had a problem and gave me tips on getting back to the right track in life.
Steps for identifying the solution
In the first step, I made an effort to inquire from people and online websites how I could develop the answer to my problem. I admitted that I was out of control and no longer used for the aftermath feeling or pleasure but was consuming the chemicals as basic needs. Without them, I was afraid and had a challenge in facing reality. Eventually, I came across books and online content about Alcoholic and Narcotic Anonymous. I contacted the online, and the organizations directed me to support groups close to myself. I started attending their meetings even though I was still using.
Eventually, the AA and NA group members close to me suggested I check into a rehabilitation facility. I did an extensive consultation to identify the right rehabilitation center, made a personal conviction to stop and checked in for treatment. The counselors and therapist consultations assisted to come out of denial and solicited funds to overcome the challenge. I was able to check in the rehabilitation facility and was taught the twelve step program and counseling aspects that enabled me to recover. There were several solutions such as medication therapy, halfway house but opted for full house recovery system after evaluating all the possible solutions.