FAQ About Drug and Alcohol Addiction

What is addiction?
Addition is a progressive, chronic, fatal disease characterized by the following symptoms:

• Increased tolerance which means that it takes more of the substance to achieve the desired effect. Example: two beers used to make you feel slightly intoxicated and now it takes four.
• Withdrawal symptoms. Example: hangovers, shakes, night sweats, agitation. Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the drug, amounts, and length of time taking the drug. They are all factors to consider.
• A persistant desire or unsuccessful attempts to cut down. Example: telling yourself you are not going to drink during the week and then find yourself doing it when you didn't want to. A person usually will start to justify the reasons they broke the promise to themselves.
• Use despite negative consequences. Examples: your family or friends are expressing concern and you minimize or justify your use. You are having legal, employment or medical problem and you continue to make excuses or blame others for your situation.
• The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period then was intended. Examples: You intend to have one glass of wine and you have more. You do this often. You tell yourself, "one more and then I am going home" yet you stay longer then you had planned.
• A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance. Example: If you are using drugs, you are visiting multiple doctors or spending time trying to obtain illegal drugs from a dealer. For alcohol, you are thinking about the next time you are going to drink. You make sure that you have enough alcohol at home and when you are going to a party.

You need 3 or more of these occurring at any time in the same 12 month period to meet criteria for substance dependence.

Alcoholics Anonymous has a self test that you can take their website is www.alcoholics-anonymous.org . Click on the link "is AA for you?" to take the test. I frequently hear people say "well, everyone is an alcoholic." If you answer the self test honestly and they say you have a problem, you have a problem. Get help now!

If you are ready to stop the chaos caused by alcohol or drug addiction, and begin to regain control of your life please call me at 425.822.3425 for a free 15 minute phone consultation.