Drug and Alcohol Addiction Checklist: How do I know if I am an addict?

There are numerous risk factors involved in developing an addiction. Some of these risk factors are discussed below.

1. Some studies show that people can have a genetic predisposition to alcohol and drug addiction, although these genetic factors are generally thought to be influenced by social, cultural and development influences.
2. Similarly, if your parents struggled with addiction, it is more likely that you might too. This is particularly common with drinking issues.
3. Men are statistically more prone to addiction than women, however, studies indicate that women are quickly catching up with their male counterparts when it comes to drug addiction, particularly under stressful conditions. Women are more likely than men to become addicted to prescription medication.
4. People who suffer from a mental disorder are considered by counsellors and psychologists to be at greater risk of developing an addiction than others. Certainly people who suffer from depression, loneliness or anxiety often turn to drugs or drinking as a way to experience a sense of happiness, escape from their problems, or lessen their anxiety.

Interestingly, people who are in the position of care givers, as parents or as children of their own ageing parents, are less prone to developing addictions. This suggests that, for many of us, the need to be present and tend to family needs prevents us from falling into an addictive cycle.(This article is electronically protected – Copyright © Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney PTY LTD)

No one plans to be an addict. Instead, addiction is usually a slow, steady progress that starts with recreational use or a real medical need (as in the case of pain killers).

The first time you use drugs or alcohol, the affects tend to be immediate and intense, but as we continuing using, a person often finds that they need more and more of the drug to experience that same initial affect. Soon, we are on the downward spiral into addiction and it can be a difficult cycle to get out of – the less we use, the more we experience withdrawal symptoms, the more uncomfortable we become and the more we want our drug again.

Most drugs, used too often or in substantial quantities, cause us to become physically dependent on them in order to feel okay. The process of withdrawal (when you stop using the drug) can be difficult, painful and in some situations, require medical intervention. Alcohol addiction can cause the body to adjust itself to such a degree that in extreme cases, alcohol becomes the only form of nourishment that the body will accept. A long term alcoholic will become malnourished and their body will begin to shut down if they stop drinking.

In the case of other drugs, like cocaine, the process of withdrawal will often cause you to feel physically sick and uncomfortable. In these circumstances, a detox program is usually recommended prior to the commencement of counselling. (This article is electronically protected – Copyright © Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney PTY LTD)

Depending on the drug and the length of use, withdrawal symptoms can range form feeling flu-ish, running a fever, headaches or a general feeling of discomfort, confusion, or more significant physical effects like hallucinations or seizures. Withdrawal can last from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the drug and the degree to which a person has become addicted. Some drugs, such as crack cocaine, can have withdrawal symptoms begin within a few hours of the last use of the drug. This is one of the reasons these drugs can be so addictive: the withdrawal symptoms can begin so quickly that one feels an almost immediate urge to re-use the drug in order to feel good or even to feel relatively normal.

While some drugs, like nicotine, morphine or heroin, are physiologically addictive, that is the brain becomes dependent on its presence in the blood stream to function, other drugs are more psychologically addictive, like Marijuana. Psychological addiction is a very compelling reason for repeated use of a certain drug and can be just as dangerous as physiological addiction. It is possible for one to develop a psychological addiction to the use of a drug first and then develop a physiological independence after prolonged use. Imagine, for example, that you are a young university student who is shy and nervous when you go out to clubs and meet new people. You might start drinking alcohol and become psychologically dependent on getting drunk to have a good time when you go out with your friends. After some time of prolonged abuse of alcohol your body will develop a physiological addiction to alcohol. (This page is electronically copyright protected – do not copy – Copyright © Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney PTY LTD)

If you went through our checklist and believe that you or someone you care about may have an addiction issue, you may benefit from talking with a counsellor, psychologist or therapist. If you would like to schedule a consultation or receive further advice, please contact:

Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney

Central Booking Line: (02) 8205 0566

Common mispellings and alternative search terms used to find this page include: Durgs; Adiction, Adict, Councellor, counseling, sychologist, threapy

All health information provided on counsellingsydney.com.au is general in nature and is provided for information purposes only. The information contained on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat psychological conditions, nor should it be used as an alternative to obtaining counselling or psychological advice from a qualified counsellor, psychologist, psychotherapist, psychiatrist or medical practitioner. Please consult a counselling professional or a health care provider about any health concerns you might have about yourself or others. Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney Pty. Ltd does not accept liability for any loss or damage associated with the use of this site.

This site may contain links to third party sites including sites on counselling, psychologist services, mental health and other unrelated material. The existence of these links is not to be construed as an endorsement by Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney Pty. Ltd as to the accuracy or quality of the information or services provided by these third party sites and we do not accept liability for any loss or damaged associated with the use of these third party sites.