We all remember the first time we used or drank. It’s like a switch got flipped and something clicked into place that we had always been missing. Maybe that nagging social anxiety finally went away, or anger at a loved one was forgotten for a while. Whatever that first high seemed to fix, it trained our brains to recognize our drug of choice as an answer to problems. Stress at work? Take a hit. Family being difficult? Another hit. But somewhere along the line, our answer to problems somehow became a problem unto itself. That first high is a traitorous apex that, in reality, only leads downhill. Our bodies recognize feeling perpetually sick and tired before our minds do. But eventually, that perpetual fatigue screams its way upstairs. It might be time to admit that you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired.
It’s Not Fun Anymore
Starting down the road of recovery (or returning to it) requires a healthy dose of honesty. Admitting that getting high or drunk isn’t fun anymore isn’t easy. Many of us feel that using our drug of choice has become part of our identity. But ask yourself… is it really that fun anymore, or does it feel more like a chore? Have you considered how much effort you’re expending to make this lifestyle work?
There’s no shame in outgrowing things that no longer serve us. We may feel sadness over the anticipated loss of something that once brought us joy. But eventually, feeling sick and tired of being sick and tired takes priority. That surrender frees up a lot of willpower that was previously dedicated toward making a maladaptive habit work.
Recognizing When It’s time to Move On
Several signs indicate that you’re poised to begin your recovery and get back to a functional lifestyle.
- Sober doesn’t feel normal anymore: This is one of the first signs that you might have a problem. Your body’s natural drug-free state should feel comfortable. If you start feeling sick or tired without drugs or alcohol in your system, that’s an alarm bell sounding.
- It’s difficult to manage withdrawal symptoms at work and around family: One of the main problems with using drugs or alcohol regularly is tolerance. Once you use enough that you can’t make it through an 8-hour work day without using, you start to run into issues with masking withdrawal. Your coworkers and family start to notice your symptoms. Which brings us to the next sign that it’s time to move on…
- You’ve begun using at work: There are plenty of functional alcoholics and addicts who never get to this point. But for those of us that do, it becomes a logistical nightmare to hide. If you’re willing to risk your livelihood to avoid being sick and tired at work, it may be time to move on.
- You can’t remember the last time you didn’t feel sick or tired without your drug of choice: At this point, your drug of choice has truly taken over your life. Things that once brought you joy seem muted. Everything takes a backseat to your habit. But it doesn’t have to stay that way forever.
Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired
Any of these signs sound familiar? If so, you may be sick and tired of being sick and tired. You’re not alone. Most people who seek treatment for drug or alcohol abuse feel the same way.
But don’t try to kick the habit alone. Withdrawal symptoms can be deadly in the case of alcohol and benzos. Aside from addressing the uncomfortable physical component of withdrawal though, a treatment facility will introduce you to addiction therapy. This is where the real healing begins. After all, substance abuse is typically a self-sabotaging coping method. With proper treatment, it can be replaced with results-based therapy modalities like WRAP and the Matrix Model. These modalities teach us how to handle stress without resorting to old maladaptive habits.
If you or a loved one is ready to get help, our addiction counselors are available 24/7: 714-455-3409