The Mental Health Consumer Guide

How To Recognize The Symptoms Of A Drug Or Alcohol Addiction Problem

Drug addiction or substance abuse is a major problem in the United States today as a 2004 survey conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services concluded that almost 20 million Americans were addicted to drugs in some form or another.

The first step in successfully dealing with addictions is to recognize whether or not you actually have a drug or alcohol addiction problem. So here are some of the ways that you can help determine that.

1. Have you experienced any negative consequences from drinking or using drugs, but continue anyway?

2. Do you find yourself regularly exceeding the limits that you set for yourself on how much you'll use?

3. Do you get complaints from family and friends about your drinking or drug use, but just ignore them?

4. Do you feel that you have to hide the extent of your drug or alcohol use from family, friends, and coworkers?

5. Do you like to drink or use drugs all by yourself?

6. Do you get high in order to escape your worries or daily pressures, or just to build your self-confidence?

7. Have there been occasions when you could not remember what happened after getting high on either drugs or alcohol?

8. Do you find yourself driving a car or having irresponsible sex while high?

If you answered yes to several of the questions above, you may very well be a drug or alcohol abuser who needs help. There are lots of drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs that are available to help those who are ready to give up their destructive behavior. The internet is a great source of information on drug rehab and alcohol rehab programs that are available in your area.