Addiction is a medically proven disease just the same as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease and is life-threatening when left untreated. People who suffer from heroin addiction or alcoholism experience social, emotional, and physical symptoms. Drug abuse often ends up hurting their families, friends, and even themselves.

If your relationships with either your partner, family, or co-workers is being negatively affected due to your substance abuse , you likely have an addiction. The following criteria can determine if your addiction is mild, moderate, or severe:

• Loss of interest
• Lack of control
• Withdrawal
• Inability to quit
• Cravings
• Tolerance
• Dangerous use

If two or more of these examples apply to you, you at least have a mild substance disorder. The truth is, less than 1% of Americans receive addiction help every year. You shouldn't wait until you become physically addicted to heroin or any substance to seek rehab treatment.

The Recovery Village explains, “The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) releases a regular report entitled the Behavioral Health Barometer. In the 2015 edition, SAMHSA reported that only 11 percent of those who needed care for illicit drug use received specialty treatment. Of those with past-year drug use disorders, a whopping 82.3 percent aged 12 and older did not perceive the need for treatment, and thus did not get the help they needed." It's difficult to admit you have a problem and take the next step. If you're questioning whether or not you need help with your addiction, here are some signs that you may need help.

It might not seem like a big deal at the time, but driving while under the influence is a danger to you and everyone else on the road. If you're unable to control your addiction and stop operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, it's time to seek help.

Drugs are a poison that harms every part of your body. According to H-Wave , “opioids slow down your breathing to the point of potential permanent brain damage. They also are known to cause psychosis and cardiovascular disease.” If you're injecting drugs such as heroin, you increase your risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis C.

Alcoholism damages the liver, brain, and heart significantly. There are several risk factors associated with lung cancer, but smoking is a major cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When drug and alcohol abuse begins to affect your health, your body will let you know through uncomfortable and painful symptoms. Don't ignore them, see a doctor, and stop poisoning your body.

If you're family and friends have asked you to stop it's likely for a good reason. These are the people in your life that know you the best, and they've recognized some red flags. When friend and family are concerned , you should be too.

Most illegal drugs cause depression and other mental illnesses. If you've had suicidal thoughts, harmed yourself or someone else while under the influence, you need to get help immediately. Mental illness and depression can be treated. Learn to live a fulfilling life again without the use of drugs before it's too late.

There is nothing more important than your health. If you're finding yourself questioning whether or not you need help getting sober, you probably do. It's especially true if you have an addiction to heroin which is one of the hardest drugs to overcome.