ADDICTION

Addiction may take many forms.  People may be addicted to sex, food, or other behaviors and substances.  I have a keen understanding of addiction. I have over 17 years experience with working the 12 steps which has brought me the gift of abstinence.

When we are addicted to any substance we go through stages.  These stages progress as we move through our disease.  The first stage is when we move from occasional use of a substance/behavior to constant using to experience a relief.  This relief is to experience some type of psychological escape (such as from stress, fear or depression).  This stage may last months or years.  If someone in this stage does not receive help they will build a tolerance and move to the next stage.

At this second level many addicts will experience periods of dissociation.  Loss of control is a characteristic, as well as a preoccupation.  Some addicts will be inclined to sneak their using at this level. The third level may involve the physical need for the substance or behaviors being abused.  People tend to attempt to stop on their own at this level, and some may succeed at stopping at this level, but only to relapse.  The periods of abstinence when trying to stop are usually short term.

The final and fourth level is when the addict is dominated by his/her using.  This individual may experience his/her life as "falling apart" or debilitating.  This person may demonstrate signs of physical withdrawal when unable to obtain the given substance or behavior of choice.  Please note, it is essential that any individual who has become physiologically dependent on a some chemical substances receive medical attention and assistance before attempting abstinence.  For example, withdrawal from alcohol can be extremely dangerous.  Briefly participating in an inpatient facility to detox safely may be required. 

Following is the AA Twenty Question List.  This self-report is a good preliminary screening device which was developed at John's Hopkins University Hospital to determine whether an individual has a problem with alcohol.  I have often used this tool to determine whether an individual has a problem with different types of substances/behaviors.  For example, you could substitute the words "drink" and "drinking" with "drugs, food, sex, gambling" and "using, compulsive overeating, or sexually acting out".

 

The A.A. Twenty Question List

Answer with a "yes" or a "no".

1.  Do you lose time from work due to drinking?

2.  Is drinking making your home life unhappy?

3.  Do you drink because you are shy with other people?

4.  Is drinking affecting your reputation?

5.  Have you ever felt remorse after drinking?

6.  Have you gotten into financial trouble as a result of your drinking?

7.  Do you turn to lower companions and an inferior environment when drinking?

8.  Does your drinking make you careless of your family's welfare?

9.  Has you ambition decreased since your drinking?

10.  Do you crave a drink at a definite time daily?

11.  Do you want a drink the next morning?

12.  Does drinking cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?

13.  Has your efficiency decreased since drinking?

14.  Is drinking jeopardizing your job or business?

15.  Do you drink to escape worries or troubles?

16.  Do you drink alone?

17.  Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking?

18.  Has your physician ever treated you for drinking?

19.  Do you drink to build up your self-confidence?

20.  Have you ever been to a hospital or institution on account of drinking?

If you answered "yes" to any one of the questions, this is a definite warning that you may be alcoholic.

If you answered "yes" to any two, the chances are that you are an alcoholic.

If you answered "yes" to three or more, you are definitely an alcoholic.

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