Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last Syllable of recorded time
These words written by William Shakespeare are probably of little to no interest to you if you are facing the possibility of going detox. Your life may in shambles, either physically, emotionally, or both. Your relationships may be strained. You may or may not be facing legal consequences. If you do decide to go you are facing the uncomfortability of withdrawals. So at a time like this why would I give you a soliloquy written four hundred years ago? The reason is because those three lines encompass the greatest lie that an addict or alcoholic will ever tell themselves. It is I will get clean and sober tomorrow. The problem is, as Shakespeare points out, tomorrow never truly comes and days, weeks, months, and years pass in the blink of an eye without us even noticing.
It is a sensible dilemma that every person with a desire to get sober goes through. I want to get clean and sober but I just can’t today for any myriad of reasons. Unfortunately, for many the decision to finally go to detox and seek the help they require is only made after their self-imposed crises have piled up to such an extent that they are left with no option but to seek help. This, however, does not need to be the case and if you are on the fence as to whether or not you should go to detox today, hopefully, the information presented here can help make your decision easier.
Justifications for Putting Off Going to Detox
If you are contemplating putting off going to detox until tomorrow and this is not the first time you’ve done this, then you may want to exam your justifications for the delay. It is understandable that you want to put off going because one of the most frightening things we can do in life is step into the unknown. No matter how intolerable drinking or drugging has become, it is still known, and so it is more comfortable than the alternative of getting clean and sober. That being said, it doesn’t need to be. Below is a list of justifications and excuses that you may be telling yourself right now are the reasons why you are avoiding detox. Only you can honestly answer if these justifications are valid or merely fear masquerading as truth, but take a look through the list and see if any match up.
- I am too busy with work
- My bills are due this week
- I am afraid I will get fired if I go to detox
- I am afraid my spouse or significant other will leave me
- I don’t want my parents to find out
- I have plans for later in the week
- I just need to get high or drunk one more time
- Maybe I don’t really need detox, my habit is not that bad
- I can quit on my own
While all of these justifications and excuses may be valid on a certain level, none of them are worth risking your life over. The reality is that if you have thought of any of the above then you more than likely need to go to detox. Most people without a problem with drugs or alcohol never need to come up with excuses for avoiding detox, so if you have arrived at that point, it may be time for some honest self-examination.
Do I Have A Problem with Drugs or Alcohol?
The most common justification for avoiding detox is, “maybe I don’t really have a problem. Maybe I can manage and control my drinking and drugging this time.“ This is the hardest justification to combat and it is also why the first step in every 12-step program addresses it. Coming to the realization that you are powerless is not a pleasant idea for many people. It goes against our very nature and what society has taught us since a very early age. Never admit defeat and never let them see you sweat. The reality is that admitting defeat in this aspect is the most freeing thing you can possibly ever do, but once again this is a decision that you yourself must make. Luckily, if this justification is the only reason you are avoiding detox, then the questionnaire presented below will hopefully give you clarity on your situation.
Answer Yes or No to the following questions as they relate to you.
- Have you ever decided to stop drinking or drugging for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?
- Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking or drugging– stop telling you what to do?
- Have you ever switched from one kind of drink or drug to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting intoxicated?
- Have you had to have a drink or drug immediately upon awakening during the past year?
- Do you envy people who can drink or drug without getting into trouble?
- Have you had problems connected with drinking or drugging during the past year?
- Has your drinking or drugging caused trouble at home?
- Do you ever try to get “extra” drinks or drugs at a party because you are afraid you won’t get enough?
- Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking or drugging any time you want to, even though you continue to use when you don’t mean to?
- Have you missed days of work or school?
- Do you have “blackouts“?
- Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink or drug?
If you answered yes to four or more of these questions then you may have a problem with drinking or drugging and may need to seek detox today.
Stop Avoiding Detox and Seek Help Today
It is understandable to have trepidation about going to detox, but if any of the above information rang true to you then you may want to stop delaying and start seeking the help you need. You can start by calling the professionals at SoCal Detox today, at toll-free 888-590-0777. Their trained staff knows what you are going through and understands how difficult of a decision seeking treatment can be. Remember tomorrow may never come so act today.
