Am I Addicted?

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Am I Addicted?

Some people know when their use of alcohol and drugs has reached the level of addiction. Others, however, are not able to make this assessment on their own. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recognizes two levels of problem use of drugs and alcohol. In substance abuse a person may misuse a substance but they still have the ability to modify use of the substance. Dependence is marked by an inability to modify or control use.

If you are not sure if your use of alcohol and/or other drugs has become an addiction, the following guidelines from the APA may help you to determine where you stand. As you read them ask yourself honestly if these apply to you.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, commonly referred to as the DSM-IV-TR, offers diagnostic tools that identify the two levels of AOD problems: dependence and abuse. For a diagnosis of substance dependence, a person needs to demonstrate a pattern of drug use that leads to significant impairment or distress. This is determined by the presence of three or more of the following, occurring within a twelve-month period:

1. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:

1. A need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect
2. Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance

1. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:

1. the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance
2. the same (or a closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms

1. The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended
2. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use
3. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, to use the substance, or to recover from its effects
4. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of the substance use
5. The substance is used despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance. (APA, 2000, p. 197)

Substance abuse is another level of AOD problem that is diagnosed as a pattern of use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested by one or more of the following, occurring within a twelve-month period:

1. Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school or home
2. Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous
3. Recurrent substance-related legal problems
4. Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or inter-personal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance. (APA, 2000, p. 199)

If you fit either of these diagnostic criteria you are an appropriate candidate for addiction treatment.
http://positivepathrecovery.tripod.c...ery2/id15.html

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A Self - Test for Cocaine Addiction

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Do you ever use more cocaine than you planned?
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Has the use of cocaine interfered with your job?
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Is your cocaine use causing conflict with your spouse or family?
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Do you feel depressed, guilty, or remorseful after you use cocaine?
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Do you use whatever cocaine you have almost continuously until the supply is exhausted?
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Have you ever experienced sinus problems or nosebleeds due to cocaine use?
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Do you ever wish that you had never taken that first line, hit, or injection of cocaine?
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Have you experienced chest pains or rapid or irregular heartbeats when using cocaine?
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Do you have an obsession to get cocaine when you don't have it?
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Are you experiencing financial difficulties due to your cocaine use?
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Do you experience an anticipation high just knowing you are about to use cocaine?
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After using cocaine, do you have difficulty sleeping without taking a drink or another drug?
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Are you absorbed with the thought of getting loaded even while interacting with a friend or loved one?
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Have you begun to use drugs or drink alone?
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Do you ever have feelings that people are talking about you or watching you?
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Do you use larger doses of drugs or alcohol to get the same high you once experienced?
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Have you tried to quit or cut down on your cocaine use only to find that you couldn't?
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Have any of your friends or family suggested that you may have a problem?
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Have you ever lied to or misled those around you about how much or how often you use?
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Do you use drugs in your car, at work, in the bathroom, on airplanes, or other public places?
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Are you afraid that if you stop using cocaine or alcohol your work will suffer or you will lose your energy, motivation, or confidence?
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Do you spend time with people or in places you otherwise would not be around but for the availability of drugs?
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Have you ever stolen drugs or money from friends or family?

If you have answered Yes to any of these questions, you may have a cocaine problem. There is an answer...come to meetings of Cocaine Anonymous, read the literature and join us...we want to help.


Copyright (c) 1999 Cocaine Anonymous World Services, Inc. and Cocaine Anonymous are registered trademarks of Cocaine Anonymous World Services, Inc.

http://www.casandiego.org/Self%20Test.htm

[katrina12]

Thanks for both of these posts, they are extremely informative and helpful, I wonder though how many people with drug problems will actually admit that they have these problems... They have to know the truth about their situation and this is better sooner than later.