Have you seen director Christopher Nolan’s take on “The Odyssey”? Even if you have not, it is quite possible that you are familiar with the story. You might have read Homer’s epic poem in a class or picked up a recent translation out of curiosity. Or maybe you have seen previous adaptations of the story.
If you know the story, you are likely familiar with Scylla and Charybdis. The first is a multi-headed monster, and the second is a giant whirlpool. Odysseus and his crew must sail their ship between them—a challenge the hero has been told simply cannot be done without significant loss. A terrible choice must be made.
We have a number of phrases that describe difficult situations that offer no good options for resolution.
Caught between Scylla and Charybdis (a phrase Sting, an English teacher turned rock star, sings in this song). Stuck between a rock and a hard place. Between the devil and the deep blue sea.
If you are in the grips of a substance use disorder, you very well may find yourself in exactly this sort of situation. When you do, it might seem like your situation is hopeless. In this post, we are going to take a look at the trap you can find yourself in. Then we are going to remind you how to get out of that trap.
Let’s sail on and face down these challenges.
Scylla: The Devastating Impact of Substance Use
When you first start using drugs or drinking alcohol, it might feel exciting or relaxing or mystical. You might enjoy having your inhibitions reduced or you might be chasing a sense of euphoria or you might be trying to escape high levels of stress. Early on, you might convince yourself that you have found something that makes your life better. You might also convince yourself that you are in control of the substances rather than the other way around.
Soon enough, however, everything will change. As you continue to use drugs or alcohol, you will experience worsening physical and mental health. You will likely find your relationships fraying and your finances undermined. You might even hurt someone else—or worse—while under the influence of the substance you use.
As things continue to get worse, you will almost certainly conclude that you need to stop using whatever substance is destroying so many aspects of your life. Unfortunately, if you try to change direction on your own, you will find another monster waiting for you.
Charybdis: The Horrors of Withdrawal
There are plenty of things you can stop doing just because you decide to. Finding a book boring? You can decide to quit reading it. Think the acting has gotten terrible on a television show you used to love? You can decide not to watch it anymore. Had several bad meals in a row at a restaurant? You can decide not to patronize the place.
Unfortunately, it is not anywhere near that easy to give up drugs or alcohol. That is because withdrawal symptoms can be just as devastating—and as dangerous—as the physical, mental, and emotional impacts of substance use. The severity of the cravings you are likely to experience can send you back to the substance you are trying so hard to leave behind.
So you are stuck between Scylla and Charybdis. A rock and a hard place. The devil and the deep blue sea.
What can you do to escape? Here is the path forward.
Escape from Disaster by Getting Treatment
The right time to get treatment for a substance use disorder is always right now. A high-quality treatment program will provide a personalized treatment plan grounded in evidence-based practices.
The first step of the treatment process gives you the opportunity to overcome the rigors of withdrawal. Medically supervised detoxification allows you to get drugs or alcohol out of your system in a safe environment that is free of temptations.
The next step prepares you for the challenges of the recovery journey. Rehabilitation includes individual and group therapy sessions and provides you with ideas, skills, and resources for leaving substances in your past.
Ideally, the treatment center in question will also offer a robust alumni program to keep you connected to others who understand what you have been through with substances and the challenges you are facing now. The alumni program should also keep you connected to the treatment facility for ongoing support and resources.
It might not surprise you to learn that we have a place in mind where you can get the treatment you need.
Wooded Glen Is an Exceptional Treatment Facility
Wooded Glen Recovery Center was recently named one of the top substance use disorder treatment facilities in the country—the fifth time we have earned this honor.
Located in Henryville, Indiana, Wooded Glen provides all of the services we recommended above: medically supervised detoxification, an excellent rehabilitation program, and alumni services that continue to provide support after your time in treatment comes to an end. You can count on Wooded Glen’s staff to provide empathetic care supported by high levels of expertise and years of experience.
If you feel like you cannot escape from substances, we can help you safely navigate your way to a better future.