Understanding Drug Addiction: Am I an Addict?

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Am I an addict?” If you’ve questioned this before, then it’s important for you to get an accurate understanding of the relationship that you have with drugs and/or alcohol. Understanding drug addiction can be difficult, even for the addict. With that being said, how does an addict even come to understand whether or not they are suffering from an addiction to drugs?

Am I an Addict?

To help answer the question, “Am I an addict?” consider how your behaviors, attitudes, and thoughts are towards substances. For example, do you find yourself abusing substances frequently? Do you use drugs in excess or go on drug binges? Do you lie about using drugs to family, friends, coworkers, or others? Have you ever stolen money for drugs? Have you been let go from a job or failed to meet another obligation because of your drug use? Have you tried to stop using drugs only to resort back to using them?

Answering “yes” to one or more of these questions could mean that you have a drug addiction. You will truly only know if and when you are honest with yourself.

Definition of Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is defined as a chronic brain disease. It is characterized by the inability to stop using drugs in spite of consequences. It is common for addicts to be in denial about their drug use and/or their drug use being a problem. The reality is that drug addiction is a disease and like any other medical condition, it requires treatment for the successful outcome of long-term recovery.

Treatment for Drug Addiction

While admitting that you may be suffering from a drug addiction can be hard, there are plenty of treatment options to help you get restored back to a healthier frame of mind and body. Treatment for drug addiction should begin with a medical detox and inpatient rehab where you can get off drugs and work on issues that may have led to drug abuse in the first place. If you’ve even asked yourself once, “Am I an addict?” then you may want to reach out for support from a loved one, check out a local Narcotics Anonymous meeting, and/or reach out to a Drug Abuse Crisis & Help Line.

The Watershed Addiction Treatment Programs provides step-down care all the way from medical detoxification and inpatient rehab to outpatient programs and sober living. The Watershed is dedicated to restoring lives through a variety of therapies, programs, and related services. If you are struggling and unsure about whether your drug use has become a full-blown addiction, call The Watershed for support today at 1-800-861-1768.