Addiction and Recovery Issues in Trenton
If you (or a loved one) is a union member struggling with a substance use disorder, you may be wondering if and where you can get help. Addiction and recovery in Trenton are both common, so no matter how dependent you are on alcohol and drugs, you can get and stay sober. While some people are able to stop using alcohol and drugs by themselves, not everyone can. And even if you’re able to stop drinking and using on your own, finding a supportive community that can help you with life skills and relapse prevention can make your journey to sobriety much easier and more comfortable.
And if you’re worried that you might lose your job while you’re in recovery, you don’t have to be. There are several ways that you can get help and keep your job while you’re in recovery. Rehab doesn’t have to mean job loss, whether or not you attend an inpatient facility or whether you’re able to start in outpatient treatment.
Over time, the more you drink and use, the more tolerance you build up in your body for the substance you’re using. The more tolerance you have, the more you need of your drug of choice in order to feel the same effects. Drugs and alcohol are psychoactive, so they affect the way that your brain works. You might be aware of what drugs are doing to your mind and body, but what you might not realize is that your using is affecting people around you. No one drinks and uses in a vacuum. If you live with family and friends (or even pets), your drug and alcohol use results in pain for them as well. And you might not know how your work performance is affected, but your boss and colleagues can probably tell that something’s going on.
Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.
Where to Get Help with Addiction in Trenton
Most people have problems with alcohol and drugs long before they develop a substance use disorder. Those who keep going even after problems in their lives have appeared are at risk for developing an addiction. Fortunately, there are a number of rehabs in Trenton where you can get help. You may not need detox or an inpatient program, but you might benefit from an outpatient one.
If you’re not sure you need options for addiction and recovery in Trenton, think about whether the alcohol and drugs are interfering with living a healthy and happy life. Here are some of the warning signs that your friends, family, supervisor, and colleagues might notice as you continue to abuse your drug of choice:
Too many bathroom trips. Especially at work, you don’t want to get caught drinking or using. So you hit the bathroom more often.
You sound different when you talk. Longer term use of drugs and alchol often have an effect on your voice. You might sound raspy or hoarse. And, especially after drinking or using, your speech is slurred.
You drink or use on the job (or in front of others). You might get drunk at happy hours, rather than using them as occasions to drink socially. Or you might see other work events (conferences and the like) as a chance to get high.
You’re not paying enough attention to your hygiene. As the drinking and using gets worse, you find it’s hard to do the little things like brushing your teeth every day when you’re hungover or still drunk or high when it’s time to go to work.
You have a lot of little accidents. Too much drugs and alcohol commonly leads to less sleep and losing both coordination and focus. Also, you may have more DUI (driving under the influence) charges and car accidents as your judgment gets more and more impaired.
You’re having trouble with money. Once more and more of your money is given over to your drug of choice, you find you have a harder time paying bills or replacing worn out clothes and shoes. You might start asking people for money where you previously never asked for loans.
You’re experiencing health problems and show physical signs of overuse. Lack of sleep also contributes to a weakened immune system. You might find yourself more susceptible to colds and flu and other health issues when you continue in your addiction.
You’re off sick more often. For one thing, you might need to stay home when you’re sick with a cold or flu. But also, you might be too hungover to go to work. Or you’re in the middle of a binge and can’t make it work.
Your behavior or personality has changed, and not for the better. You lash out at your coworkers over tiny little things or become more withdrawn. You might also start coming to work late, hungover or after sleepless nights, where you used to be punctual.
Your performance and productivity get worse. When you’re craving your drug of choice, or thinking about how and when you’ll use next, you’re not paying as much attention to your job. While you may not be able to see how much your performance has deteriorated, rest assured that others, including your coworkers and boss, have noticed.
Recovery Options and Programs in Trenton
Anyone who hasn’t been using their drug of choice for very long, and who hasn’t built up much of a tolerance, may not need to attend rehab. They may be able to start with 12-step or similar recovery groups that are free or available at a low cost.
There’s no shame in needing help to kick your habit. You may need a more intensive program that helps you learn to live without the crutch of your drug. Addiction and recovery in Trenton in combination with a dual diagnosis (mental health issue) mean you may need more intensive care as well in order to treat both disorders.
Detox – If your brain is dependent on the drugs and alcohol you’ve been taking, it’s best to stop using in a safe detox where you can be more comfortable as your brain adjusts to the lack of the drug.
Inpatient treatment – Residential facilities typically offer 30, 60, or 90 day programs in a highly structured environment. You will receive both individual and group therapy, and likely attend classes to help you manage the stressors of everyday life.
Partial hospitalization Program (PHP) – This is a highly structured form of outpatient treatment where you don’t stay at the facility but spend all day in the program most days of the week. You’ll have group and individual therapy and classes as well.
Intensive outpatient Program (IOP) – The next level of care is the IOP, where you’re still receiving therapy and probably attending classes. However, you spend less time at the facility; often you’ll be there nights and weekends.
Outpatient program – You’ll focus more on transitioning back to your sober life and will spend less time in therapy. Some people choose to go to sober living rather than back to their home so they can get more support for their sober lifestyle.
Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.
Find the Right Addiction and Recovery Program in Trenton with Help from Union First
Our mission at Union First is to help union members achieve sobriety and lead the happy, sober life they deserve while protecting them from losing their jobs as they recover. Our service is an employee assistance program, and we specialize in case management, telehealth, placing you in the right recovery program, and protecting your job.
Don’t wait any longer to start your journey of recovery – call us at (855) 215-2023 and we’ll help you navigate the maze of options to find the ones that are right for you.