Am I an Alcoholic or Drug Addict?

Any person who has wondered if he or she has a problem with drugs or alcohol should consider their lifestyle, mental health and relationships when seriously considering the prospect.  The mere curiosity of whether or not a drug or alcohol problem exists may be evidence enough that there is, indeed, need for concern. 

Some people consider their recreational use of drugs or alcohol as an activity that occurs only on occasion and does not negatively impact their lives.  However, when consequences begin to surface, such as medical, legal or financial problems, it is likely that an addiction exists.  When a person continues to use or abuse drugs or alcohol despite the occurrence of negative consequences, the best course of action for that person is to seek the guidance of an addiction treatment professional. 

The existence of mental illness increases the likelihood that a person will become addicted to drugs or alcohol.  When co-occurring disorders exist, self-medication with drugs and alcohol becomes common which compounds the mental disorder and perpetuates the cycle of abuse.  Those who have been diagnosed with or suspect that they have a mental disorder and who regularly use drugs or alcohol would be well advised to seek the services of an addiction treatment professional.

Sometimes destructive and chaotic relationships can trigger or compound a drug or alcohol problem.  How people relate to others and develop relationships is engrained very early in life.  Trauma that has occurred in childhood can sometimes lead to abusive and destructive relationships in adulthood.  If a predisposition to addiction exists, such relationships can profoundly influence the use and abuse of drugs or alcohol.

There are a few simple questions that can be asked to help determine if a problem with drugs or alcohol exists:

•   Do I drink or use drugs while I am alone?

• Has the quantity and/or frequency of my drug or alcohol use increased over time?

• Am I often preoccupied with the thought of using drugs or alcohol?

•  Have I ever experienced any negative consequences as a result of my drug or alcohol use?

• Do I continue to use drugs or alcohol despite having experienced negative consequences as a result of my drug or alcohol use?

• Do I need more drugs or alcohol to achieve the desired feeling?