This was originally published at www.orlandorecovery.com

Often, an individual in active addiction is the last to realize or admit to having a problem. Family members or friends may notice and try to interfere, telling the individual to get help. But sometimes that’s not enough. It often takes the individual hitting rock bottom and coming to that conclusion on their own terms. 

If you identify with items on this list, it may be time to seek addiction treatment. 

1. You no longer feel as if you have control over your life.

Addiction will take even the most stable of people and change them into someone focused only on the next fix. When this happens, other parts of life fall to the wayside. Addiction leads to a lack of control over the addiction itself, but also over other aspects of life. When an individual realizes they feel powerless, it may be a good time to take action. 

2. You’ve lost friends and family because of your addiction.

When relationships begin being affected because of someone’s drug or alcohol use, it’s safe to say the habit has progressed to the point of needing treatment. Sometimes individuals do not come to this conclusion until they have no one left in their life. But that can be avoided by taking the step and going to treatment as soon as you suspect you have a problem.

3. You are in financial trouble.

Drugs and alcohol are expensive. Rehab can also expensive, but think about how much money you will save in the long run by being sober after treatment. Not only will you save by not buying booze or drugs, but you won’t make impulsive, drug-fueled purchases or face legal fees. In the big picture, addiction treatment will pay off. 

4. You are in legal trouble.

Legal consequences can sometimes require a treatment stint, bit even if yours doesn’t, treatment is something to think about. Chances are if you’ve already been in legal trouble and continue to drink or use, you will face more legal repercussions. You can make the choice to get ahead of those consequences by getting sober. 

5. You no longer enjoy your life, even when you’re using.

 Using used to be fun, but it’s not anymore. You feel like you’ve lost control over everything in your life, resulting in depression and numbness. This feeling isn’t permanent and isn’t irreversible. Treatment can help you regain your life, and along with it, your happiness.  

6. You will meet people like yourself.

 Support and fellowship are among the best parts of getting sober. Though you may feel like the only one going through what you’re going through, there are always others who can identify with you. Having that support and understanding is vital in recovery. Without it, it’s easy to fall back into feeling sorry for yourself and feeling like you’re the only one with problems, which leads back to use. Some of the best people you’ll ever meet will be in rehab. 

7. You will find yourself again.

Addicts often lose sight of who they are when they are immersed in their addiction. Sometimes it seems as if the person you used to be will never come back to you. However, treatment has a way of waking you up to who you are and who you want to be. It gives you hope for your life and for your future.