Addiction Screener | Do I Have An Addiction?

Do I Have an Addiction?

Once described as both the cause and solution to all of life’s problems, addiction may not start as a problem, but unintentionally becomes one. Or, it may be a way to cope with difficult life circumstances. Signs of an addiction include “unintended outcomes,” the problems that develop due to preoccupation, compulsion, wanting more of the behavior or substance over time, or feeling emotionally or physically worse without it. Treatment approaches at Blair Counseling include stress management, craving reduction, motivational interviewing and establishing a support system.

Addictions don’t start as addictions. They are often behavior that at one time was not a problem, or was a way to cope with difficult life circumstances. Physical reactions caused by substances are turned into cravings by the part of the brain called the insula. What makes a “bad habit” into an addiction is preoccupation, compulsion, increased tolerance of the behavior or substance, symptoms of withdrawal, and continued use despite negative consequences. Blair Counseling looks for ways to reduce stress and the craving for a particular behavior or substance, and find the right support system.

Consider:

Every year substance use is delayed, the risk of developing a substance use disorder is reduced.

Substance use careers are longer the younger the age of first use (60%) longer.

Substance use careers are shorter (75%) the sooner people get to treatment.

Source: Winters/SAMHSA, 2004; Dennis et al. 2005; 2006; Scott et al, 2005

Addictions Screening

Please rate yourself and ask one other person who knows you well to rate you using the following scale:

Never

Rarely

Occasionally

Frequently

Very Frequently

Self

Other

Looking back over the time you have engaged in a repeated behavior (i. e. gambling or sex) or used a particular substance (alcohol, legal or illegal substances) do you notice that you have increased the use of the behavior or substance?

Do you feel bad emotionally or physically when stopping the behavior or substance for a period of time?

Do you set limits on the behavior or substance use but change your mind later and exceed those limits?

Does the time spent on the behavior or in obtaining or using a substance, or in recovering from its effects take a lot of time?

Have you given up time for relationships, your job, or other interests?

Do you continue to engage in the behavior or substance use even though it affects your relationships, job, future health, or impacts you financially or legally?

Do you ever drive under the influence of any substance?

Are you frequently agitated, anxious, or down?

Did you ever experience a blackout?

Any incidents of aggression?

Do you experience fatigue, pain, or sleeplessness?

Do you have distinct episodes of feeling on edge, shaky, or a pounding heart, shortness of breath, or tightness in your chest?

Do your hands feel cold or clammy, or your mouth dry, stomach upset, or do you have urinary frequency, or trouble swallowing?

Consider a professional assessment if any of the following are answered yes:

You get physically aggressive, engage in dangerous behavior, or drive under the influence.

You are concerned about the checked symptoms.

Any of the checked boxes has occurred in the last year.

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