What is Addiction?

Problems associated with an individual's drug addiction can vary significantly. People who are addicted to drugs come from all walks of life. Many suffer from mental health, occupational, health, or social problems that make their addictive disorders much more difficult to treat. Even if there are few associated problems, the severity of addiction itself ranges widely among people.

An individual is said to be addicted if a physical dependence on a given drug develops and if withdrawal symptoms are experienced when the drug is discontinued or its dose decreased.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you lose time from work due to drinking or drug use?
• Is drinking or drug use making your home life unhappy?
• Do you drink or use drugs because you are shy with other people?
  
• Is drinking or drug use affecting your reputation?
  
• Have you gotten into financial difficulties as a result of drinking or drug use?
  
• Do you turn to lower companions and an inferior environment when drinking or using drugs?
  
• Does your drinking or drug use make you careless of your family's welfare?
  
• Has your ambition decreased since drinking or using drugs?
  
• Do you crave a drink or drugs at a definite time daily?
  
• Do you want a drink or drugs the next morning?
  
• Does drinking or using drugs cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
  
• Has your efficiency decreased since drinking or using drugs?
  
• Is drinking or using drugs jeopardizing your job or business?
  
• Do you drink or use drugs to escape from worries or trouble?
  
• Do you drink or use drugs alone?
  
• Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking or drug use?
  
• Has your physician ever treated you for drinking or drug use?
  
• Do you drink or use drugs to build up your self-confidence?
  
• Have you ever been to a hospital or institution on account of drinking or drug use?