Alcohol & Drugs

What are the characteristics of Alcohol / Drug Abuse?

When you stop using alcohol / drugs you might experience physical or psychological withdrawal.
You cannot easily control your alcohol consumption or drug use.
You continue to drink / use drugs in spite of having experienced problems or consequences related to your work, psychological, physical and social well-being.
Family, friends or colleagues have expressed concerns about your behaviour.

Why do people become addicted?

There are many reasons why people become addicted to drugs and alcohol. Genetics, psychological and emotional well-being, family and social relatives, and culture - all can play a significant role. Although the reasons are different from person to person, the common factor is a strong desire to change the way one feels. Substance abuse initially brings about a state of euphoria, well-being or relief of physical or emotional pain. It is this early positive effect that drives further substance abuse, which eventually leads to physical and psychological dependence on the substance as well as significant negative consequences. The hallmark of addiction is the inability to stop using the addictive substance even though you want to stop.

A Self-Assessment for Alcohol and Drug Abuse: (Interactive Quiz)

Instructions: Please answer yes or no to each of the following questions:

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1	Do you ever get drunk or high alone?	y n
2	Has drinking or using drugs stopped being enjoyable?	y n
3	Do you find that your choices of friends are selected based on your alcohol/ drug use?	y n
4	Do you drink or use drugs to cope with your feelings?	y n
5	Is it difficult for you to imagine a life without drinking alcohol or using drugs?	y n
6	Do you plan your life around your use of drugs or alcohol?	y n
7	Do you drink or use drugs to avoid dealing with the problems in your life?	y n
8	Are you ever not completely honest about your use of drugs or alcohol?	y n
9	Have relatives or friends ever complained that your use of drugs or alcohol is damaging your relationship with them?	y n
10	Has your use of drugs or alcohol caused problems with motivation, concentration, memory, and relationships, at work or with your health?	y n
11	Have you failed to keep promises you made about cutting down or controlling your use of drugs?	y n
12	Do you feel anxious or concerned about how to obtain more drugs or alcoholic beverages when your supply is near empty?	y n