I An Addict? How To Tell If You’re An Addict
If you’ve been using alcohol or other substances in a manner that jeopardizes your physical, mental, or social well-being, you may have asked yourself, “am I an addict?”
Understanding the many facets of addiction is an essential part of determining whether or not a person has become an addict.
First, it’s important to understand what the word “addict” actually means. An addict is an informal term that refers to a person who is struggling with a substance use disorder (which is the clinical term for addiction).
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction is a brain disease that is characterized by “compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences.”
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is the standard reference book that’s used by most behavioral healthcare providers in the United States, offers more thorough definitions for various types of addiction.
The DSM-5 lists several criteria that must be met before a person can be accurately diagnosed with an addiction to alcohol or another drug. These criteria typically involve behavioral changes, social impairment, continued drug use after experiencing negative outcomes, and the development of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.
Am I an Addict?
During an addiction assessment, you’ll be asked a variety of questions about your health and behavior. You may talk about the nature and frequency of your substance use, your reasons for using drugs, if you have a history of trauma or mental illness, the impact that your drug use has had on your life, and other relevant matters.
At the end of this conversation, the professional who conducts the assessment can make a proper diagnosis and recommend treatment options.
Drug Addiction Quiz If you’re not sure that you have a problem, or if you’re having trouble deciding if you should schedule an appointment for an assessment, here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Do you ever use drugs secretly or when you are alone?
- Have you ever tried to stop using drugs, but were incapable of doing so?
- Do you need to use drugs to experience pleasure or to cope with emotional pain?
- Do you spend a lot of time thinking about or trying to obtain substances to use?
- Has your drug use caused problems at work, in school, or at home?
- Do you experience a craving or a strong desire to use substances?
- Have you ever lied to friends or family members about the amount or frequency of your drug use?
- Have friends or family members ever expressed concerns about your drug use?
- Have you ever felt guilty or ashamed about your drug use?
- Have you used substances in physically hazardous situations (such as driving, operating heavy machinery, taking care of small children, etc.)?
- Do you think you might be addicted to alcohol or another drug?
- Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the substance OR do you use substances to avoid withdrawal symptoms?
- Have you ever taken substances in larger amounts or for longer than you intended?
- Have you stopped or reduced important social, occupational, or recreational activities due to substance use?
- Have you found that over a period of time, it takes more of the substance to achieve the same effect or that the same amount produces a diminished effect?
If you answered yes to any 2-3 of these questions, you may be struggling with addiction, and you should consult with a professional.
Remember: This drug and alcohol addiction quiz should not be used for formal self-diagnosis, however, it can serve as a guide to evaluate whether you may be on the substance use disorder spectrum. Questioning and assessing your relationship with substances can help lead to positive change. If you feel you are suffering from a medical emergency, you should dial 911 immediately.
Addiction is a treatable condition. With the right care, you can regain control of your behaviors, develop effective relapse-prevention skills, and learn how to live a satisfying life without using alcohol or other drugs. But before you can get better, you may need to get help.
If I Am an Addict, How Can I Get Help?
Once you’ve identified the problem, the next step is to find the source of addiction treatment that’s right for you. Depending on the nature and severity of your experience with addiction, you may benefit from receiving help at one or more of the following levels:
- Detoxification
- Inpatient rehab
- Intensive outpatient programming (IOP)
- Outpatient treatment
When you’re evaluating drug addiction treatment programs in Florida, asking the following questions can help you find the place that’s best for you:
- Does your facility offer multiple levels of care for drug addiction?
- Does each patient or client at your facility follow an individualized addiction treatment plan?
- How will you determine which programs and services are best for me?
- If I’m an addict who is also struggling with co-occurring mental health concerns, can you help me?
- Do you offer family programming, so my loved ones can learn how to support my recovery efforts?
- Do you provide alumni services to help people after they’ve completed treatment?
- Do you accept insurance?
It is extremely important to remember that there is no one perfect type of addiction treatment that works for everyone. When you’re trying to find addiction help in Florida, you should be focused on identifying the provider whose services best match your specific needs, goals, and preferences.
Advanced Addiction Treatment Centers in South Florida
Treatment for your addiction doesn’t end when you leave our center. Our center offers best-in-class intensive outpatient treatment, as well as peer support, family programming, and holistic therapies. We help you build an emotional, spiritual, and mental toolkit that will help sustain your sobriety even when you return to day-to-day life.
Addiction doesn’t have to define your life any longer. You have the power to access and create meaningful change in your life. When you’re ready to live your life to the fullest, Ambrosia Behavioral Health is here to help you every step of the way. If you or your loved one are in need of help, take your first step toward starting your recovery at one of our addiction treatment centers in West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie or Singer Island, Florida.
Begin Drug Addiction Treatment in Florida
Without proper treatment, people who struggle with drug addiction can feel like they’re trapped in a downward spiral of shame, guilt, and self-defeating behavior. But when you get the care you need, you can rediscover your hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Don’t let your past struggles or current challenges prevent you from achieving the healthier future you deserve. Contact Ambrosia Behavioral Health today to learn about drug addiction treatment options. Your path to recovery may be just a phone call away.
Dr. Alam is an internationally renowned psychiatrist with academic affiliations with Northwestern University and University of Illinois, Chicago where he completed his residency training. He has been a principal investigator for over forty studies and has been involved in research leading to the approval of most psychiatric medications currently on the market. He is the founder of the Neuroscience Research Institute which continues to conduct research on cutting edge medication and interventional psychiatry. Dr. Alam is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine. He has won several awards and has been featured extensively on radio and television.
