Signs of Addiction

If a person can't seem to stop taking drugs or alcohol – even if they want to – or if the urge to use is too strong to control and you know it is causing harm, you might have a problem with addiction.

Ask yourself:

• Do you think about or crave drugs or alcohol often?
• Have you ever tried to stop or cut down on drug or alcohol use but couldn't? Some people experience withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop using abruptly or when they wean themselves off the drug over a period of time. This withdrawal syndrome indicates that dependence is at play.
• Have you ever felt as though you wouldn’t be able to fit in or have a good time without being under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
• Do you find yourself using more than you meant to or needing more to get the same effect? Over time and with prolonged use, people can build up a tolerance to the drug, meaning that more of the drug is needed to achieve the desired effects.
• Have you ever used a drug without knowing what it was or how it could impact you?
• Have you ever taken one drug to get over the effects of another?
• Have you ever made a mistake at a job or at school because you were using drugs or alcohol? Poor work performance, being chronically late to work, disinterested in work duties, difficulties at school, declining grades disinterest in school-related activities, appearing tired and receiving poor performance reviews; all can indicate an addiction problem.
• Have you shown poor life choices? When an individual is addicted to drugs, he or she may do anything to obtain more, including risky behaviors such as stealing, lying, engaging in unsafe sexual activity, selling drugs, or crimes that could land the person in jail.
• Does the thought of running out of drugs or alcohol scare you? Addicts may spend excessive amounts of time and energy finding and getting their drug of choice and may even steal drugs from someone or steal other items in order to pay for drugs?
• Have you ever been arrested or hospitalized because of your drug or alcohol use?
• Have you ever overdosed?
• Has using drugs or alcohol hurt your relationships with family and friends? Addictions can cause an addict to develop unhealthy relationships. When people start abusing substances, they may spend time with others who have similar habits. They may hang out with a new group of people who may encourage unhealthy habits. Alternatively, they may withdraw and isolate themselves, hiding their drug use from friends and family. Some reasons for this may include perceived stigma or increased depression, anxiety, or paranoia because of their addiction.
• Have there been changes in physical appearance, such as wearing clothes inappropriate for the season or dirty clothing and a lack of interest in grooming?
• Has there been a noticeable lack of energy when performing daily activities? With this situation there will probably be changes in appetite, such as a decreased appetite and associated weight loss
• Has spending more money than usual or requesting to borrow money become an issue?
• Do you become Defensive when asked about substance abuse?

If the answer to some or all of these questions is "yes," you might be struggling with an addiction problem.

People from all backgrounds can develop an addiction disorder.
It is NOT a moral failure. Seek help as soon as possible.

Visit the Addiction Resource Center or Call the ARC Help Line 24 hours a day 1-833-301-HELP (4357)