How Do You Know If You've Got A Drug Addiction?

In our modern society, drug addiction is a major issue. On a daily basis, people's lives are being torn apart, all as a result of a dependence on a substance which is so addictive, so necessary, and yet so damaging, that they simply cannot stop.

Unfortunately, most of the time, it is impossible for the person with the actual drug addiction to realize that they have a problem. Hence, the rates of self-admission to rehab centres and houses are extremely low. It usually takes an intervention, or support of a close friend or relative to address the underlying issues which may be present with the particular victim.

Self Diagnosis of a Drug Addiction

When we talk about drugs, we don't just mean the common illicit substances such as cocaine and marijuana. Drug addictions can take place with an array of different things, such as:

• Alcohol
• Illicit Drugs (cocaine, acid, etc)
• Prescription Medication (codeine, morphine, etc)
• Non-Prescription Medication (painkillers)

These are the most common types of drug addiction substances which can cause long term harm.

As we said above, the most difficult thing to do is to self diagnose yourself for a drug addiction problem. The fact of the matter is that whilst people are indulging in the pleasant feelings and mind altering effects that these drugs create, they have little conscious thought about the fact that they may be becoming more reliant on the substances on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, this is the most dangerous part of a drug addiction. If you are past a certain point in the addiction stages model, you will almost certainly be able to do nothing to help yourself.

Allowing Others To Help You

What might be even harder than self diagnosing is when a close relative or friend tries to intervene with your drug addiction, and get you the help that you need. Unfortunately, many people who have a current addiction try to deny the fact that they have a problem, and simply make excuses for themselves.

Often, they try to convince the friend of relative that they only use the substance on an infrequent basis, and that they are not reliant on the medication to any degree.

In 9 cases out of 10, when it comes to the point of the friend trying to intervene, it is the intervener who is correct, and the victim who is wrong.