Like the rest of the UK, Birmingham has a problem with drugs and alcohol. However, rather than lingering on this problem, it is important that you know where you can go if you are struggling to get help and start the recovery process. If you are looking to overcome an alcohol or drug addiction, read on.
Birmingham: Drugs and Alcohol
The number of people dying from drug-related deaths is at a high and is increasing each year.
Not only this, but almost 7,000 people are receiving drug-related care, including for alcohol abuse, in Birmingham. This may be just a small number of those who have an addiction, with over 13,000 predicted to have an alcohol use problem. There are also a great number of alcohol related deaths, with this being higher than the national average.
The Barriers to Care
There are many barriers that can prevent people from receiving the care that they need in Birmingham and beyond.
For instance, some people might feel ashamed of their condition. They might also struggle to admit that they have a problem, and this might leave them without the support that they need. They might also feel judged by friends and family, the people who are meant to be providing them with an emotional crutch when they need it most.
Not only this, but alcohol and drug addiction can go hand in hand with mental health issues such as depression and bipolar disorder. These co-occurring conditions can make people see receiving care as pointless, and they might struggle to leave the house and get the treatment that they need.
Otherwise, people might also struggle to find information about the types of treatment out there and how to access them, or they might believe that they need a lot of money for this.
What to Do if You Are Addicted
If you believe that you are addicted to alcohol, the first step that you should take is to work out the stages of alcohol addiction and what stage you are on. This might help you to work out which treatment is best for you, and whether you need outpatient or residential care. By knowing what stage you are at, you can establish the severity of the problem, and you can see just how serious your addiction is. Additionally, the current potential effects on your health and wellbeing will be established. You might also spend some time admitting and accepting that you have an alcohol addiction.
After this, you might look around for either talking therapies or a rehab clinic where you can stay for the duration of your recovery. This option is often the most successful, as you will be under the watchful eye of the experts at all times and will be able to receive cutting-edge care that is personal to you. You will also be able to escape temptation and the problems in your life that might be driving you to alcohol usage. However, while there are clinics in Birmingham, they might not be right for you, and you might look at those which are further afield and which can provide you with the perfect care.