No one wants to believe that they are addicted to drugs. Most users go through life believing it can “never happen to me” and “I can quit whenever I choose to”. This basic self-deception is one of the most distinctive signs that substance abuse has evolved into chemical dependency. There are several other telltale signs indicating chemical dependency. One of the most significant is physical withdrawal from the substance. While withdrawal symptoms vary from chemical to chemical, there are some constants such as headaches, gastrointestinal distress and, most prominently, cravings. Physical withdrawal symptoms are a definitive indicator that the body has become physiologically dependent on a foreign substance. Another easily identifiable indicator is that of obsession, craving, and a disregard for negative consequences related to using. These symptoms indicate a strong psychological dependence. The combined physiological and psychological dependencies make a nearly irrefutable case that an individual is addicted or chemically dependent.
Addiction does not adhere to any boundaries. Chemical dependency can destroy any individual or family regardless of race, religious affiliation, socio-economic background or gender. If what you have read thus far resonates with you in any way, and you find yourself concerned for yourself or a loved one, Muse Treatment Program is here to help.
Do I have an addiction or substance abuse problem?
We at Muse suggest completing the following quiz, a slightly modified version of the Drug Abuse Self-Test, provided free of charge by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD).
Instructions: Read each question and honestly answer “yes” or “no” to each.
- Have you used drugs other than those required for medicinal reasons?
- Have you abused prescription drugs?
- Do you abuse more than one drug at a time?
- Are you unable to get through the week without using drugs?
- Are you unable to stop using drugs when you want to?
- Have you had “blackouts” or “flashbacks” as a result of drug use?
- Do you ever feel bad or guilty about your drug use?
- Does your spouse (or parents) ever complain about your involvement with drugs?
- Has drug abuse created problems between you and your spouse, partner or your parents?
- Have you lost friends because of your use of drugs?
- Have you neglected your family because of your use of drugs?
- Have you been in trouble at work because of drug abuse?
- Have you lost a job because of drug abuse?
- Have you gotten into fights when under the influence of drugs?
- Have you engaged in illegal activities in order to obtain drugs?
- Have you been arrested for possession of illegal drugs?
- Have you ever experienced withdrawal symptoms (felt sick) when you stopped taking drugs?
- Have you had medical problems as a result of your drug use (e.g. memory loss, hepatitis)
- Have you gone to anyone for help for a drug problem?
- Have you been involved in a treatment program specifically related to drug use?
Results: If you did not answer yes to any questions, you do not have a substance abuse problem.
If you answered “yes” to up to 5 questions, you may have a low level of problems related to drug abuse.
If you answered “yes” to up to 10 questions, you may have a moderate level of problems related to drug abuse.
If you answered “yes” to up to 15 questions, you may have a substantial level of problems related to drug abuse.
If you answered “yes” to up to 20 questions, you may have a severe problem.