In this article we will explore addiction. Are you concerned that you may be addicted to drugs or alcohol? Or, is someone you care about addicted?
Have you ever found yourself wondering “Do I have a drug problem?” or “Am I an alcoholic?” Has someone close to you asked you about your drinking or substance use, and said they’re worried about you? Or are you concerned that someone you care about is dependent on alcohol, tobacco or other drugs?
What steps can you take to combat addiction?
No one ever intends on becoming dependent upon alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. Drug dependence (which is another word for addiction) almost always creeps up on someone insidiously. If you’re addicted or dependent on alcohol or other drugs, there are steps that you can take. The first step is to change your awareness, and then acceptance that you may have a problem.
Questions to ask yourself to understand if you have an addiction
Think about the substance you use (alcohol, tobacco or other drugs) and answer the following questions by choosing yes or no. If you use more than once substance, complete the questions for only one substance at a time and think abut your use over the last 12 months.
Question 1:
Have you needed to use a lot more of the substance to get the effect you wanted? Or have you found that the effect you get from the same amount has become a lot less than before?
YES/NO
Question 2:
Have you become sick or suffered from withdrawals when you had to reduce or stop your use of the substance? Or have you used the substance or other similar substances to stop the withdrawals or stop you from feeling sick?
YES/NO
Question 3:
Have you taken the substance in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than you planned or really wanted?
YES/NO
Question 4:
Have you often wanted to cut down or control your use of the substance? Or have you been unsuccessful in your attempts to cut down or control your use of the substance?
YES/NO
Question 5:
Have you spent a great deal of time in activities necessary for you to obtain the substance (e.g. doctor shopping, driving long distances)? Or have you spent a great deal of time using the substance (e.g. chain smoking, day/night sessions), or recovering from the effects of the substance (e.g. taking a sick day, feeling written off)?
YES/NO
Question 6:
Have you given up or reduced important social activities (e.g. being with friends and family, jobs, hobbies, sports) because of your use of the substance?
YES/NO
Question 7:
Have you continued to use the substance despite physical, social and psychological problems caused by your substance use (e.g. hepatitis, ulcers, stress, depression or other illness)?
YES/NO
Results:
If you answered yes to three or more of the above questions (within the same twelve months) you are probably dependent on the substance you are using and may need help to detox (DSM-IV-TR, American Psychiatric Association, 2000).
Learn more about alcohol and other drugs
If you’d like to learn more about alcohol and other drugs, take a look at the pages below.
Anglicare Southern Queensland offers a range of alcohol and other drug support programs to help people with addiction or to manage their use of alcohol and other drugs. Our programs include:
- Assisting Mothers to End the Need for Drugs (AMEND) which is for pregnant or parenting mothers
- Police and Court Diversion Program for clients who have been referred by the courts or an arresting officer
- Recovery Pathways Program which is a voluntary counselling program where clients can self refer or be referred by external agencies.
To learn more about these programs please visit our Alcohol and Other Drug webpage or call 1300 114 397.