Many secrets come into play when addiction takes control over someone. If you are starting to ask yourself if you feel the need to hide your substance use, or if you have someone in the past that asked you about your substance use and you brushed them off, it might be time to open up that door. It might be time to look at how you're acting and determine the answer to the question of why you're hiding your substance use from those who care about you.
Addiction can have a lot of difficult impacts on people. There are many scenarios where you might want to hide the truth. For many people, addiction is one of these situations you feel like you should hide. If you are someone who is hiding your addiction from those that you love, they may start to directly ask you questions like "are you hiding something?" If you are, addressing your addiction today might be the right direction.
With addiction comes difficulty in expressing emotions. Many individuals who get addicted will not openly let people know that they're using. They don't want to discuss the truth of how much they drink and/or use or why they are drinking and/or using in the first place. For example, someone who is addicted to alcohol might say they drink occasionally instead of admitting that they just drank an entire bottle.
Those that struggle with addiction tend to hide how much they're using because they are nervous about the reactions of others. They may even get in their own way and isolate themselves. Maybe they're embarrassed or ashamed. If this sounds like you, you're not alone. If you struggle with hiding your addiction and you want to find healing, now is the right time to open up to someone about your struggles. You don't deserve to have to hide who you are.
Addiction causes unhealthy behaviors that can include lying, anger, and manipulation. These unhealthy reactions can arise when someone struggles with addiction. If you notice your loved one is angry, lying, or manipulating others, their substance use may be out of control.
Those that get addicted to substances may not be aware that they're addicted. They know that it's easier to push the blame on others. If you notice yourself avoiding conversations or manipulating those around you to get what you want or enable your substance use, then the control of your addiction might be out of your hands.
If you or someone you love feels like you're walking on eggshells, or you feel like something is missing in your life, getting help from an addiction treatment center is a way to regain control of yourself.
Many individuals who are struggling with substances will not express some of these things to their loved ones because they're afraid. They are afraid of the blame, and they may also be afraid that they won't get their next high. If you know someone who struggles with addiction, getting them help or finding the means to lead them towards a healthier life is essential. Remember, it's not just about your life, it's about the lives all around you. Substances put your life at risk. Even if you're safe in the short term, you may not be in the future.
Addiction not only produces the emotion of guilt or pity; it also brings out shame. Those who struggle with addiction may want someone to pay attention to them with something they're struggling with, or they may have another reason they're using substances to cope. It's very important for you or your loved one who struggles with addiction to get the right attention they deserve. It starts with first getting the toxins out of their body.
They may start feeling shameful about the addiction itself, but something is missing, and they feel that they need to help cope with it with substances. Many difficulties accompany addiction, such as self-destructive behaviors and relationships struggles. Those who struggle with substance abuse or addiction may be suffering in others ways, too.
Addiction can cause people to be depressed and abusive, even creating situations where people rely on deception or being distant from those that they care about the most. Their substance use might be the first and foremost priority in their life. To address the addiction, you or your loved one first needs to know more about addiction in general so that you can find the right means and the right help.
Addiction is always a challenge but helping someone overcome it is the best course of action to take. Substance use is a difficult thing to handle, especially when it's affecting your loved one. However, if you can understand the core elements behind addiction, it can be easier to find the help you or your loved one needs to start on the recovery journey.
At NorthStar Transitions, we know the struggles and issues that come with addiction. We understand the boundaries that need to be put in place on all sides of the spectrum when it comes to substance use. We take analyzing addiction at its core seriously. It's time you addressed your substance use. You don't have to hide anymore. If you feel the need to hide your substance use from those you love, it might be time to reach out and ask for help from someone who understands your situation. NorthStar Transitions is here for you, and we will provide you with all the resources you need to help you heal and overpower the addiction in your life or the life of your loved one. We bring together supportive communities and services that can help you recover. Get the support you need and the healing you deserve today by calling us at (303) 558-6400.
