Do you think you might have an addiction?
If you find the answer is “yes” to even two or three of these questions, you should seriously consider the possibility that your alcohol or drug use is a problem.
- Have you ever tried to cut back, or try to control (successfully or unsuccessfully) your drinking or drug use?
- Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking or drug use?
- Do you ever take a morning eye-opener to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover? Do you use prescription drugs more often than prescribed? Have you ever asked more than one doctor to prescribe a drug for you?
- Are alcohol or drugs sometimes more important than other things in your life: family, job, school, values?
Sometimes people seek help for these symptoms first.
- Do you find yourself lying to your spouse, your kids, your friends or your employer, to cover up your drinking or drug use?
- Have you ever switched from one kind of drink to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting drunk?
- Have you had problems related to drinking or drug use during the past year (DUI, DWI, PI, lost work or school days, missed appointments, financial problems, auto or other accidents)?
- Are those around you annoyed by or concerned about your substance use? Are you annoyed by their concern?
If you notice these behaviors in yourself or someone you love, it’s important to seek help.
- Have you gone to work or driven a car while intoxicated, high, or in a drug-induced haze?
- Do you need to resort to chemical assistance in order to do something (start the day, work) or to change how you feel (sad, anxious, angry)?
- Do you notice you need more alcohol or more of your drug in order to get a reaction or particular feeling?
- Do you panic when you have to be where booze or drugs will not be available?
- Do you sometimes carry booze or drugs around with you?
- Do you wake up the morning after with no or limited memory of the night before?
- Do you do things while under the influence that you wouldn’t do otherwise?
Have you ever thought that your life might be better if you didn’t drink or take drugs? Alcohol abuse and drug addiction is self-destructive and can involve a painful cycle of emotional pain, self-damage, shame and physical complications.
If you or someone you love suffers from substance abuse/dependence, we recommend the following LifeWorkers:
Please call or email LifeWorks for more information, or to make an appointment.
Looking for sexual addiction? Click here.
Resources:
Alcoholics Anonymous
Recovery Connection (RCx)
Sex Addicts Anonymous
The Alcoholism and Addictions Resource Guide
The Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health
