AM I ADDICTED?? (A Test)
As a “Certified Addictions Life Coach” I have several tests available to me to help you answer the question. What I think is unimportant; all that matters is the conclusions you draw.
Rather than reinvent the wheel, I am quoting material from Jan Edward Williams which I completely support. While Jan specifically mentions alcohol, by and large that word is interchangeable with any addiction (drugs, gambling, sex, eating, and many more). Keep this in mind as you read through this material and answer questions honestly. Only you will know the results!
First of all, I commend you for making the decision to address your alcohol problem. By acknowledging that your drinking is causing you problems, you have broken through a lot of the denial that prevents people from getting help. Let me just define alcoholism for you. Many alcoholics do not drink every day and are not physically dependent on alcohol (will have cravings and withdrawal when they stop). It is sometimes not as important how often (frequency) a person drinks, as what happens when the person drinks. Not drinking for a month or longer, while commendable, merely means that you are not physically dependent on alcohol. Physical dependence is not required for a definition of alcoholism. A pattern of loss of control, blackouts, behaviour against values, and self-destructive behaviours, plus a high tolerance, strongly suggests that you may be one of those people who, though a periodic drinker and not physically dependent, may have to conclude that she is an alcoholic and that drinking is not a viable option. I do not have enough information (do you have a family history of alcohol problems?) to say that you cannot learn to moderate your drinking, but urge you to get a complete evaluation from an addictions professional, rather than look to find a program to moderate your drinking. There is a program for persons WHO ARE NOT ALCOHOLIC to help them moderate their drinking, but I hesitate giving you this information because from what you have said you may already be in the alcoholic category, as offensive as that idea may be. Good luck to you. .
A common misconception is that in order for a person to have a problem with AOD, he or she must use every day, and must physically crave the substance. Often problem users drink or use other drugs only two-to-three times per week. The best question is not "Do I have to drink?”, or, "Can I stop using marijuana during the week?", but, "Is my substance use causing me problems in important areas of my life?"
Here are some more danger signs.
• Alcohol, depression and/or drug problems in parents, grandparents, or other close family members.
• Tolerance, need for more to achieve intoxication or the desired effect.
• Blackouts, gaps in memory for what happened while using.
• Loss of control, difficulty stopping once started, or inability to control frequency of use.
Here are some specific Questions which explore how AOD use can harm an individual in significant life areas:
• Has substance use hurt your work performance, or academic performance, if in school?
• Have any of your friends said they were worried or concerned about your use or your behaviour while using?
• Has substance use caused any tension in relationships with important people in your life, such as a spouse, boy or girl friend, or roommates?
• Has your behaviour while using caused you any social embarrassment or hurt your reputation?
• Has your AOD use caused you to do things that go against your value system?
• Do you use AOD even though advised not to because of a medical condition (for example, ulcer, diabetes, or being on medication for depression)? Have you due to AOD use gotten into legal trouble (e.g., DWI, disorderly conduct, drug charges).
• Have you ever had an injury, or been to the ER, or hospitalized due to AOD use?
• Have you ever gotten into any fights while using?
• Do you often drive a car knowing you would flunk a sobriety test if caught?
• Have you ever been to see a counsellor or therapist where part of the problem related to AOD use?
A "Yes" to any of these questions is cause for concern and indicates the person may be developing a harmful relationship with alcohol or other drugs.
Please feel free to contact me through this site, phone email or Skype for a no cost, no risk discussion.
