Sometimes people are not sure if their loved ones or themselves have an addiction problem. It is hard to believe and accept, for sure.

  • “Well, I don’t drink every day.”
  • “I still work and pay all my bills.”
  • “I’m not on the streets like those real addicts.”

So how do you know if you are addicted?

First of all, we can look at some risk factors for developing addiction.

Genetic predisposition: If there is substance abuse issue or addiction in your family, then you have a higher chance of developing addiction. It is a complex process that we still don’t know all the details. 

Trauma/adverse childhood experiences: If you have been through trauma or adverse experiences, you are more likely to use substances and thus more likely to develop addiction. The correlation is very well demonstrated by data from the Adverse Childhood Experience study. 

Environmental/social learning factors: if people around you, whether they be family or friends, use drugs or drink alcohol, you are more likely to see it as a normal part of life. Or if people around you use drugs to cope with life, then you may have learned to use as a way to cope with life. 

Social factors: Society’s view of substances and behaviors can play a part in an individual’s choice of using. We see an increase of marijuana use corresponding with the social changes and people viewing marijuana as more socially acceptable and less risky. 

Now we look at some of the telltale signs of addiction:

Lying: You lie about when, what, how much you use, or you minimize it. You hide alcohol, drugs, or paraphernalia from others. Lies are told to get money in order to purchase alcohol or drugs. You try to cover up your behaviors.

Denial: You deny you have a problem. When people try to talk to you about it, you get mad or upset.

Unpredictability: Once you start, you don’t know when you will stop and how you would act.

Urges: You think about using quite frequently, have urges wanting to use. You find it hard to redirect yourself from those thoughts and urges once they show up. It may feel like an obsession.

Loss of self control: You want to stop with sincere intentions and make promises to yourself or others. However, you often end up breaking your promises. 

Using despite negative consequences: You know it is not good for your health. You have been in trouble multiple times before. You know your kids are negatively affected. But you continue to use anyways and you don’t know why.

A lot of times, people resist the idea of calling themselves “addicts” or “alcoholics.” It is totally understandable. Because those labels carry so much negative judgment. It is a huge step to realize and admit you have a problem and need to change.

At the end of the day, I think putting that label on yourself is less important than recognizing

  • how your behaviors/patterns are standing in your way of getting what you want out of life
  • learning healthy coping skills to change your unhealthy patterns and to overcome obstacles

so that you can build a life you love and can thrive in.

You don’t have to do it alone. Help is always available. Call me at 704-282-1661.