Warning: Some of these images may be triggering for some in recovery. Viewer discretion advised.
How does someone know they have a problem with drugs or alcohol? When does social drinking with friends on the weekend become something more? Many people test these limits and find themselves in unmanageable situations. So, when do you know you need treatment? Ask yourselves the following questions to help determine if enough is enough:
Have you built up a drug or alcohol tolerance?
You need to use more of the drug or alcohol to experience the same affects you used to attain with smaller amounts.
Do you take drugs or alcohol to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms?
If you go too long without drugs or alcohol, you experience symptoms such as nausea, restlessness, insomnia, depression, sweating, shaking, and anxiety.
Have you lost control over your drug or alcohol use?
You often do drugs or drink alcohol or use more than you planned, even though you told yourself you wouldn’t. You may want to stop using, but you feel powerless.
Does your life revolve around drug or alcohol use?
You spend a lot of time using and thinking about drugs or alcohol, figuring out how to get them, and recovering from the drug’s effects.
Have you abandoned activities you used to enjoy?
Hobbies, sports, and socializing, are no longer part of your life because of your drug or alcohol use.
Do you continue to use drugs, despite knowing it’s hurting you or someone you love?
It’s causing major problems in your life—blackouts, infections, mood swings, depression, paranoia. You distance yourself from friends and family—but you use anyway.
