Am I An Addict?

Definitions of addiction are controversial and vary greatly. I prefer to let you decide what to call your problem - whether it's an addiction, a compulsion, a habit or a way you've found to deal with your particular struggles, if you are ready to change your behaviors and get back on track to a healthier, happier, more productive life then give me a call and begin the process.

To help you assess whether the substance or behavior has gotten out of control or is interfering with your life, consider these common symptoms of addiction:

• Health: hangovers, medical problems, stress, anxiety, lack of, or excessive sleep, neglect of self-care (diet, exercise, avoiding doctors)

• Relationship: divorce/separation, unhappy/disappointed partner, loss of time with children, neglect of relationship, lack of the kind of relationship you'd like to have, avoiding family functions, poor relationships with parents/siblings/children

• Financial: spending more than desired on the substance or behavior, costing money in lost work or legal issues, loss of productivity or advancement at work, less earning due to time spent in the activity, or less energy, or excessive absenteeism or being distracted at work

• Occupational: job losses, less advancement or fewer promotions in career, missed work days or being late to work, loss of respect from co-workers, keeping an unsatisfying job

• Self-respect: disappointment in self, isolating to avoid social situations, avoiding family functions, depression, not realizing the potential you know you have

Here are some common symptoms that we ascribe to addiction:

• Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink, use or do an addictive behavior.

• Loss of control: The inability to voluntarily limit one's intake or behavior on any given occasion.

• Physical/Psychological dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, excessive thoughts about the substance or activity, stress and anxiety occur when the use is stopped after a period of heavy use.

• Tolerance: The need to drink, use or do the behavior in greater amounts in order to "get high," or to feel satisfied. Have you seen an increase in your use over time? Addiction is a progressive condition/disease, without help it WILL continue to spiral out of control and you will experience increased negative consequences in your life as a result.