Am I an Alcoholic or Addict?

Some people abuse alcohol or drugs but are able to change this behavior before it affects their lives in a serious way. However, if you have tried repeatedly to control your drinking or drug use, you may be an alcoholic or addict. Most people have a difficult time admitting they are an alcoholic or an addict, and it is completely normal to feel this way. If you answer yes for any of the following questions, you might have a problem with alcohol or drug abuse and may be an alcoholic or addict:

• Do you ever consume five or more drinks at a time, or more of a substance than you intend to when you begin?
• Do you need more and more alcohol or drugs to feel the psychological effects or to feel good physically?
• Is drinking or drug use affecting your work or ambition?
• Is drinking or drug use causing problems in your home or family life?
• Do you drink or use drugs because you feel you need to do so in social environments, or because it boosts your self-confidence?
• Is your reputation being affected?
• Have you ever felt shame or guilt after drinking or using drugs?
• Has drinking or using drugs gotten you into financial difficulties?
• Do you associate with friends or other people that you might not otherwise?
• Do you get cravings for alcohol or drugs at a particular time of the day and feel you need to have a drink?
• Do you want a drink or drugs in the morning to avoid a hangover or start the day?
• Is your sleeping being affected?
• Do you use drinking or drugs as an “escape?”
• Do you ever drink or use drugs by yourself?
• Have you ever “blacked out,” that is, forget what happened when you were drinking or using drugs?
• Have you ever had medical problems resulting from alcohol consumption or drug use?
• Have you ever gotten in legal trouble from drinking or drug use?

But instead of focusing on the label of addiction or alcoholism, try thinking about residential drug and alcohol treatment in the context of getting the help you need to live a healthier life, and inpatient  treatment may help ease you into this process. The education and support you will receive in treatment will allow you to make your own decision regarding that very critical question.