No one but you can adequately determine if you are an addict. While there are some questions that you can ask yourself to determine whether or not your drug use has crossed the line into addiction, it will require you to be honest. Then, you must use your own self-judgment to determine if you need help or not. Here are some things to ponder.
Do I Ever Use Alone?
Isolation is one of the main behavioral changes that are associated with addiction. Alcohol or drug use becomes a way to deal with stress and will help a person to withdraw. This person may once have had interests and hobbies that have virtually dropped off completely.
In addition, many addicts will start out using drugs or drinking in social environments. They will visit local clubs or bars with friends. Over time, even this activity can decrease as they feel more comfortable being alone at home while using.
Have I Substituted Drugs?
If you’ve ever thought that the particular drug you were using was the problem, you might have switched to something else. This can be a permanent switch or just temporary and is often seen as an act of improvement by the addict. Substitution of drugs is just as dangerous as using one substance. In fact, it could create further issues by introducing the body to new and foreign ingredients.
Have I Manipulated A Doctor Into Giving Me A Prescription?
Prescription drug abuse is the use of any controlled mind-altering substance without a valid prescription. Prescription drug abuse can also occur when you use a prescription in a way that was not prescribed. Addicts will often manipulate or lie to a doctor to get a prescription. Many of these medications are opioid painkillers such as Vicodin, OxyContin or sedative-hypnotics such as Valium and Ambien.
If you’ve participated in doctor shopping, manipulation or symptom fabrication, you could have issues with addiction. Some people will even participate in forging prescriptions.
Have I Stolen Drugs Or Stolen To Achieve The Money For Drugs?
Many people who start out using drugs don’t believe that they will ever steal as a result. The sad reality is that once drug use crosses the line into addiction, the user will do anything as a result. You may have manipulated money out of family and friends or outright stolen it. Either way, you are engaging in activities that you wouldn’t otherwise do if it weren’t for your drug use. This is a clear sign of an addiction.
Do I Need Drugs When I Wake Up Or Go To Bed?
If you have an addiction issue you may find that you can’t seem to function properly in the morning without first doing drugs. You may even get ill before using. Some people experience shaking and anxiety in the morning until they get high.
In the same regard, addicts can tend to have trouble falling asleep at night without the use of drugs.
Do I Take A Drug To Overcome The Effects Of Another?
Some addicts will need the help of a stimulating drug to overcome the effect of a depressant so they can get through the day. In addition, when it comes time to sleep, many addicts that are addicted to stimulants will need the help of a depressant to settle down into a rest.
Do I Avoid People Who Won’t Approve of My Drug Use?
The last thing an addict wants is someone telling them about their drug use. To avoid putting themselves in that position, they will simply avoid anyone that won’t approve of their lifestyle.
Have I Used a Drug Without Knowing What It Would Do?
If you’ve ever run out of the regular drugs you use, there may be times that you’ve opted to use whatever you can get your hands on, even if you didn’t know what they would do to you. This can happen if a heroin user runs out and has access to someone’s medicine cabinet. It is a search to find anything that might make you feel better at the moment, usually with no thought of the consequences.
Has My Job Or School Performance Suffered Because Of Drug Use?
Despite your best intentions, having an addiction will create your job or school life to suffer. You may think that you are performing at optimal levels, but the results of your work will begin to show differently.
Have I Been Arrested As A Result Of Drug Use?
Being arrested doesn’t necessarily mean you are an addict, but it is a clear warning sign. It is possible to make a bad decision and get arrested for it without being an addict, but it might be time to consider your usage. If this becomes a common occurrence for you, the answers may be clearer cut.
Do I Lie About What Or How Much I Use?
One of the main reasons we lie about our behaviors is because we know in our hearts that they are wrong. If they weren’t, we would have no trouble telling others about it. Lying is a very common indication that you have a substance abuse problem.
Do I Purchase Drugs Ahead Of Financial Obligations?
Putting your drug usage ahead of responsibilities may just be immature or childish. It could also indicate an addiction where you have no power but to use drugs first. When you make conscious decisions to put your usage ahead of the bills that need to be paid, chances are you are going deeper into an addiction.
Have I Attempted To Stop Using Or Control My Usage?
Many times an addict will try to prove they aren’t an addict by quitting. Very often, these attempts will fail. In addition, you might have just tried to cut back or go back to a time when you were a recreational user. If you’ve not been successful with these attempts, chances are the chemistry in your brain has been altered and you no longer have power over the drugs.
This can also refer to having visited a treatment center in the past. What many addicts fail to realize is that relapse doesn’t mean failure. It simply means you are an addict and you need more help with your recovery process.
Are You An Addict? If So, Contact Clearbrook Today
After assessing all the questions, you might have a better understanding if you are suffering from an addiction. If the answer is yes, there is nothing to be ashamed of! Many people are struggling with the same disease that you are. The time has come to get help. You can’t change what has happened, but you do have the power to make a different decision today.
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction, we can help. For 45 years, Clearbrook Treatment Centers has been providing quality treatment to the chemically dependent person. Please do not wait any longer! Contact our Admissions Specialists today and get on the road to recovery.
