‘Am I an addict?’ is a heavy question that bears the weight of many emotions and thoughts. There will usually be many factors that you lead you to this point, and while addiction is different for everyone, the questioning generally comes at a similar point.
If you are using drugs or alcohol to cope with day-to-day life and your dependency is now totally out of your control, then you may have an addiction problem. To determine what your behaviour means, it’s important to understand the basics of addiction, so you can seek the appropriate help.
What constitutes an ‘addict’?
Put simply, an addict is a person whose life is controlled by drugs or alcohol, or someone for whom drugs or alcohol have become a problem.
It’s a chronic disease and can result in damaging behaviour that negatively impacts your relationships, work-life, home life, and social life. The need to use drugs or alcohol can become so urgent that addicts suffer both mentally, physically, and emotionally until they find release in their substance of choice.
Questions you should ask yourself about addiction
If you have been asking yourself ‘am I an addict’, or are on the brink of developing a problem, some important questions to ask yourself are:
- Have you ever been dishonest about your drinking or drug use?
- Have you ever felt ashamed or guilty about your drinking or drug use?
- Do you ever drink or use drugs alone?
- Do you frequently use drugs or alcohol when feeling depressed or angry?
- Have you ever been arrested for anything drug or alcohol-related?
- Have you ever thought you can’t have fun without drugs and alcohol?
- Have you ever used prescription drugs in a non-medical way?
- Have you mixed drugs or taken more than one at the same time?
- Have you ever switched drugs or types of drugs (e.g. beer instead of whiskey)?
- Are you unable to get through the week without using drugs?
- Have you been fired because of drinking or drug use?
- Have you lost friends and relationships due to drinking and drug use?
If your answers reflect the actions of an addict, then it may be time to consider professional help.
Where to get help
When you decide it’s time to put your health first and take the next step towards recovery, HARP Private Rehab will be there. Our luxury rehab centre and residential treatment facility located in Olinda, just outside of Melbourne, offers a serene and tranquil environment to accommodate the healing process.
You can learn more about our services and facility by exploring our website, or contacting our professional team on 1800 422 711.
