Relapse is a common occurrence among those overcoming substance abuse and drug addiction. Substance abuse disorders are chronic; it takes maintenance to abstain from using. Although the problem is ingrained, you can create a management plan to refrain from substance abuse for good. 

If you or someone you love is struggling with repeat substance abuse, here are seven signs that it may be time to attend a rehab facility. 

Signs You Need Inpatient Care 

The need to attend an inpatient vs. an outpatient program will depend on the severity of your symptoms. 

If you are experiencing an inability to control your urges, have lost interest in activities you once enjoyed, and have physical and emotional cravings beyond your control, an inpatient program may be appropriate. 

The toll that addiction takes on the mind and body is often too difficult to endure alone. Having a staff of professionals who can assist you through the process is critical when you are in a vulnerable state of addiction. 

In cases where you’ve lost most or all ability to control yourself, going to an inpatient care facility is likely necessary. 

Signs You Need Outpatient Drug Rehab Care 

1. Personal Problems and Social Withdrawal 

An early sign to look out for is chaos or difficulties in personal life or intimate relationships. Withdrawing from social activity, increased irritability, and desire to be left alone are signs that your addiction is interfering with your personal life. 

If you can maintain normal functioning, go to work, and avoid partaking in substance abuse most but not all of the time, outpatient care is more appropriate. 

2. Thinking About Relapsing 

If you can control your urges and are not prioritizing substance abuse over essential aspects of life, i.e., (personal relationships, work responsibilities, personal health, etc.) but think about relapsing often, it is time to go to an outpatient facility. 

Understand that outpatient facilities are a less-intensive form of care that provides recovery solutions for those with moderate control over their addiction. 

3. Not Experiencing Tolerance 

If you are not taking additional drug quantities to achieve the same relief, you are not exhibiting signs of tolerance and are more fit for outpatient drug rehab

Tolerance is a physical indication that your body has become adjusted to the amount of substance you consume. 

Tolerance can indicate that health problems are on the way. In these cases, it's time to go to inpatient rehab and address both the mental and physical components of your health. 

4. Want To Quit, But Can’t 

If you can keep a steady job, pay your bills, and in general, live a balanced life, it is possible that your drug addiction is not at a point where 24/7 care is necessary. 

If you have a desire to quit but are not able to, this is a sign that outpatient drug rehab may be an appropriate fit. You can learn tools to stop the urgency of your addiction and get back to better health. 

5. Moderate or Mild Cravings 

Suppose you notice that your drug cravings are not overpowering cravings for necessary consumption like food and water. In that case, this is a sign that your mind is prioritizing getting more of the substance but is not yet at a point where you have no control.  

If your cravings are not interfering with your daily life but are still present at times, it may be time to go to an outpatient drug rehab facility. 

6. Some Time Is Spent On Addiction 

If you find that you are spending some time trying to get more of your substance, but are overall, living a balanced life, you are likely showcasing some degree of control over your addiction. 

If family, work, sleep, and other critical aspects of living a healthy and balanced life are prevalent priorities, outpatient drug rehab may be the best option before things get worse. 

7. Mental Health Decline 

If you have lost some interest in activities you once enjoyed or noticed a general downgrade of your mental health, an outpatient drug rehab is necessary.  

Other Care Considerations 

Knowing whether to go inpatient vs. outpatient is about the level of control you have over your symptoms. Outpatient care implies that you can showcase independence and personal will over your addiction. 

If the addiction has impaired your ability to exercise self-control or improve, it is more likely that inpatient care is the right fit. If the body has become so preoccupied with achieving relief from drugs, the problem has reached a more profound level that needs professional help. 

Get A Second Opinion 

If you question whether your addiction is enough of a problem, it is recommended to reach out to a drug addiction specialist who can give you a clearer idea of where you are on your journey to better health. 

Not knowing where you are could imply either that you need inpatient care or outpatient care. It is not always easy for repeat users to spot the warning signs or evidence that the problem has become too difficult to endure without help. 

Recovery is not a straight line and may require additional self-reflection before deciding on the proper form of care to receive. Reach out to those you trust to get feedback on where they think you are. 

The more forthcoming you can be with them, the more they can help you and offer accurate insight into your condition and what is needed for an effective treatment. 

Find Compassion and Consistency 

Overcoming drug addiction is difficult, but it is not impossible. Applying compassion is a necessary part of recovery. 

Research has shown that the brain needs over a year to return to a state of health that is absent from drug dependency. 

This means that for recovering individuals, triggers are everywhere, and bring on intense physical and emotional urges. 

The Bottom Line 

Overcoming drug addiction takes consistency, and often, multiple tries before improvements stick around. Look out for these seven signs and consider attending a rehab to get back on track.