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Many people live with the deep, dark secret of addiction. Even though they may already be aware of what they’re going through, and that they need help, it’s still difficult to ask for it. No matter the substance, whether it be drugs or alcohol, what’s the same is the constant feeling of embarrassment that they are going through this condition.

No matter how many times public service announcements might say that there’s no shame in admitting that you’re an addict, the sad fact, unfortunately, is that it does matter a great deal. Especially because there are severe real-life consequences to addiction, this status is not necessarily something that one would be proud of.

Despite these feelings of embarrassment and discomfort, however, it’s still important to seek help as soon as possible. These feelings of embarrassment, after all, should be the least of concerns when it comes to treating addiction.

Here are some tips you may find helpful when seeking help for addiction.

Call a Hotline

This may seem like such cold advice. Why would anyone tell a person looking for help regarding their addiction to talk to a stranger on the phone for counsel? Actually, that’s the point. Because there is that layer of anonymity in hotlines, it becomes a little bit easier for you to open up the operator on the other line.

Most people are less likely to be compelled or encouraged to share with family and friends. If you are also bothered by the prospect of having to come clean and explain to them what you’re going through, a conversation with a stranger might be the better choice. With a hotline, not only are you available to reach out to someone with a simple touch of a button, but you can also get sound advice and guidance from someone who is trained to provide as much help as possible to those who need it.

Even if it is merely for that moment, the hotline can provide the support and relief that you need to get you through this particular instance of difficulty. Hotline operators are also equipped with the skills to de-escalate a growingly hostile atmosphere or situation.

Call a Friend

If you would rather confide in someone you know and trust, then go ahead and call a friend. The advantage of this is that they know who you are, what sets you off, and what calms you down. Having this insider knowledge is very advantageous because it means that they know how to handle you.

However, for their help to be effective, they must know what’s going on with you. It’s going to be very difficult for them to provide the support you need if they don’t know the real context behind it. If you decide to call a friend, however, it means that you have to be prepared to deal with the many questions, and dish out honest answers, about your condition.

It’s only fair that they get this information too, because that is the only way that they can truly be of help.

Seek Professional Help

If calling neither an anonymous hotline nor a close friend does not help all that much, then perhaps it’s time to consider seeking help professionally. A psychiatrist is in a great position to help because they can actually diagnose what is going on, and then design a treatment plan.

You can get their help from their own private practice or through facilities like Villa San Miguel Detox & Wellness (https://www.vsmdetoxaustin.com/). Whichever option you choose, the important thing is that you get the help you need for your condition ASAP.