Admitting that you have a problem is very difficult. First, it can be psychologically taxing and anxiety-producing to feel out of control in any situation. Second, you might feel like you are being judged, disappointing others, or not living up to your personal standards or expectations if you admit that you have a problem. Third, you might be afraid of being subject to lingering social stigmas about alcoholism and addiction – some of which you might be unconsciously holding yourself. And, finally, you might have a psychological attachment to your addiction. If you have had negative life experiences or if you have fears about your current or future situation, the addiction may appear more comfortable to you than the sober alternative.

Let’s address these concerns. First, a common misperception about alcoholism and addiction is that stopping is as simple as deciding not to drink, use, or engage in the addictive behavior (like sex or gambling) any more (Read Why They Can’t “Just Stop”), so addicts and their families and friends who have retained this misperception sometimes become frustrated at what everyone inaccurately perceives to be the addict’s lack of willpower when opportunities for sobriety arise. Although alcoholics and addicts may have made poor decisions (but not always!) that led to the development of the addiction, addiction remains a complex problem that involves the concepts of tolerance and physical/psychological dependence, and it may be further complicated by genetic factors (Read Addiction and Genetics). The medical community recognizes addiction as a disease that is treatable, but not (yet) curable, which means that fretting over your inability to control your addiction without help might be as unrealistic, unnecessary, and counterproductive as fretting over your inability to control the spread of cancer.

Second, many addicts fall into negative, unrealistic thought patterns (Read How Addicts Think). They may develop low self-esteem or believe the world to be a negative place. If they perceive that these messages are reinforced by their environment (whether or not they actually are), there may be a negative feedback loop that is hard to break without professional help or profound personal insight. Importantly, addicts may perceive their family and friends as people who are judging them and against them when, in reality, the family and friends just want what is best for the addict. To give a practical example, you may be interpreting your spouse’s look of concern as disappointment; but, in reality, they sympathize with your sadness and suffering and want you to return to a happy, healthy life.

Third, although it is true that some people still stigmatize addiction – many times because they don’t understand it – many people have changed their attitudes about addiction for the better (Read How Americans Perceive Addicts & Addiction). And, finally, if addiction has been your “escape route,” there are many healthy alternatives for overcoming personal traumas or tragedies, and there are many ways to learn or regain important life skills. Do you really want the rest of your life (remember those experiences that you used to derive pleasure from before the tragedy?) to be a blur – to never again create positive memories with loved ones to soothe the pain of the past?

Below are some questions to ask yourself when evaluating whether or not you have a problem with substance abuse or addiction.

· Have I developed health problems?

Depending on the substance, abuse and addiction can lead to numerous short- and long-term health problems. For example, meth abuse can cause brain damage, malnutrition, tooth decay, seizures, heart attacks, and strokes. A recent study has also found a link between frequent and/or long-term use or marijuana and testicular cancer. Additionally, some researchers believe that there is a connection between marijuana use and the development of schizophrenia in some patients (Read Marijuana: A Path to Schizophrenia?). Depending on whether the addict shares needles with others, intravenous (IV) injection of any substance increases the risk of skin abscesses, endocarditis (heart infection), Hepatitis, and HIV (Read The Dangers of IV Drug Use). For more information on the potential health consequences of abuse of specific substances, visit the Drugs page.

· Have I noticed an increase in relationship or financial problems?

Al-Anon estimates that, on average, alcoholics touch the lives of at least four other people. If your relationship with your parents, spouse, children, family members, friends, co-workers, or anyone else in your life has become strained, it may be because you have reprioritized your need for the substance over the responsibilities of a spouse, parent, or other role (Read Alcoholism’s Effects on the Family). As resources are increasingly directed toward acquiring the substance, many alcoholics and addicts find themselves facing financial difficulties.

· Have I started to need more of the substance to get the high I got when I first used?

Tolerance is a concept associated with prescription medicines as well as illicit addictive substances; tolerance develops when the body gets used to a certain dosage and needs more of the substance to achieve the same effect. 

· Do I feel physically ill or anxious if I haven’t had a drink/hit in a while?

·  Have I engaged in risky or unsafe behaviors?

Many substances decrease a user’s inhibitions. If you have driven a car, engaged in unprotected sex with anonymous partners, committed a crime, attempted suicide, shared syringes or straws with another user, or participated in some other type of life-threatening or dangerous activity while under the influence of a substance, you should consider seeking help (Read When Drugs Lead to Other Problems).

Other Questions:

• Has the quality of my work or my productivity at work suffered?
• Do I use alcohol or drugs to make myself feel better when I am emotionally low?
• Do I wait until I am alone to drink/use drugs and hide my supply because I am worried that others will be surprised at how often and/or how much I use or will take it away?
• Has a friend or family member suggested that I might have a problem?
• Have I forgotten appointments or broken promises that I intended to keep?
• Are there periods of time that I don’t remember clearly?
• Is there a history of alcoholism or addiction in my family?
• Do I have feelings of shame or guilt?

If you were able to answer “yes” to any of these questions, we encourage you to call eDrugRehab today. Take the first step toward a healthy life – it’s ok to need help.