“Am I an addict?”

Have you ever asked yourself this simple question? It may be surprising to know that many struggle with identifying addiction in their own life.  Addiction has many definitions, but one way to think of it is to challenge yourself, “Does this substance/behavior have more control over me than I have over it?” It’s a simple question, and provides you with an addiction test that has identifiable methods for gauging an answer.

Here are some addiction test questions which are easy to relate to and may assist you in determining if a substance/ behavior might be an addiction:

•    Do you ever use alone?
•    Have you taken one drug to overcome the effects of another drug?
•    Do you avoid people or places that you used to enjoy because they disapprove of your using?
•    Have you been unsuccessful at cutting back or stopping the behavior or drug use?
•    Do you often use more than you planned?
•    Have you gotten into trouble as a result of using?
•    Have you lied about using a drug or how much you have used?
•    Have you lost any relationships due to your substance use or behavior?
•    Have you used drugs to make you feel better about a situation?
•    Do you continue to use a drug despite negative consequences?
•    Do you have family/friends who have said you need to cut back or stop using?
•    Do you have to use more of the drug to get the same effect as before?
•    Have you forgotten things you did or said while using?
•    Has your job or school performance deteriorated since you have started the drug?

Answering positively to any of these is a cause for concern. Three or more positive responses indicate you have a substance use problem and you may be an addict.

Declaring a drug is a problem takes courage. But admitting the problem is the pivotal event that allows a hopeless addict to become a hopeful, recovering addict.  It is the beginning of getting better and regaining control over your life.

Tia Parsley, MEd, LPC, LCDC has experience assisting adolescents and their families with issues such as addiction, anger management, depression, anxiety, communication, parenting, and stress management. Lear more about TIa Parsley the these websites: www.achievebalance.org and www.tiaparsley.com.