Am I an Addict?

This might be a question you’ve asked yourself a lot lately with no clear-cut answer. No one can tell you for sure whether or not you are an addict. You must come to the conclusion that you are an addict on your own through self-examination. If you know deep down that you have that want and need to use drugs and alcohol here are some other questions you want to ask yourself. If you answer them honestly you’ll be one step closer to answering that burning question in the back of your mind, “Am I an Addict”.

1. Have I ever tried to cut back or slow down on my drinking or using and been unable to?

2. When someone points out my using and drinking do I easily get offended and/or defensive about it?

3. Have I ever had to use drugs or alcohol early in the morning to steady my nerves or help with a hangover etc.?

4. Have I ever felt guilty about drinking or drug use? Have I been ashamed about how much and what I did when using or drinking?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then you might have an addiction problem. In no way do I suggest they are the absolute determining factor of whether you are or not but they offer a good starting point in helping you come to an honest answer for yourself.  Personally these questions helped me determine whether I was an addict or not and still do in recovery.

Are you still asking yourself, “Am I an addict”?

If so, let’s take a look at the definition of addiction and some other determining factors of an addict. Addiction is a disease defined as progressive, chronic and fatal. As soon as this disease becomes a part of a person’s life, it becomes an uncontrollable habit that in most cases turns into a downward spiral. Some other signs of addiction come from negative consequences caused by it. If you’re an addict you’ve probably experienced multiple negative consequences due to your using such as:

•            DUI’s or other drug related arrests…

•            constantly late or absent from work and/or school…

•            losing family, friends, co-workers and associates…

•            people becoming angry with you over your use…

•            loss of control, goals or passion for life.

Anyone can have these unfortunate circumstances happen to them but an addict will continue to use despite these consequences and feel deep down that they really don’t know how to stop and when they do try to stop they always end up drinking or using again. Does this sound like it could be you?

Neither I, nor anyone else can tell you, you are or are not an addict. It is up to you to realize whether you are or not. If you do figure out you’re an addict, or need some more help with figuring it out, then the next step would be to contact a treatment center.

Don’t hesitate to call Palm Partners today at 877-711-HOPE (4673) to speak to a counselor who will answer any questions you have about addiction. You may also visit our website, www.palmpartners.com, for more information about our company and treatment programs.

Remember… addiction, for those of us who are addicts cannot be treated on our own, we must seek outside help.

-Rhea-