8 Questions to Ponder on if You Think You’re Addicted to Something

This is not the easiest conversation to have and this article should not replace speaking to a professional. That being said, sometimes it helps to have clarity on whether or not you’re addicted to (fill in the blank) (sex, drugs, gambling, video games, work, food, etc). 

So, instead of this being a disempowering and defining moment, try to think of this as opening a new door to treatments unbenownst to you. Alternatively, this could make it clear that you don’t have a problem and that’s great, too. 

There are four categories of symptoms that the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual aka the therapist’s diagnostic bible) that fall under the category of addiction:

1. Impaired Control

Using more than intended or wanting to stop and not being able to

2. Social Problems

Neglecting important people, previously enjoyable activities, and inability to complete responsibilities

3. Risky Use

Using despite the risks

4. Physical Dependence

Building a tolerance or having withdrawals when not using

There are also multiple levels of severity of addiction disorder that you can have: 

Mild (2-3 symtpoms)

Moderate (4 or 5 symptoms)

Severe (6+ symptoms)

All of that is great, but what questions should I be asking myself if I suspect that I have an addiction? Great question! See below…

1. Has my using impaired my life in any way?
2. Have I ever used when I didn’t want to? This could be because of possible physical/emotional withdrawal symptoms or something else.
3. Have I been able to stop using for a long period of time without trouble?
4. Has my using effected relationships?
5. Have I avoided or stopped previously enjoyable activities due to my using?
6. Have I been able to complete responsibilities since I started using?
7. Have I used in any risky situations or been in danger due to my  use?
8. Do I have a physical dependence on my substance of choice?

If you’re leaving this article feeling lost and/or hopeless, I sincerely hope that you seek professional help. This could be finding an addiction focused therapist on Psychology Today in your area or looking at the American Addiction Centers website for further information. Also, if treatment is unaffordable or you want to supplement with something free, there are amazing fellowship opportunities in many anonymous associations like sex addicts anonymous, narcotics anonymous, alcoholics anonymous, etc. All links below. 

Stay strong.

Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/

American Addiction Centers: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/ 

List of 12 Step Anonymous Groups: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_twelve-step_groups