Addiction recovery requires accomplishing a number of tasks, including:

build and maintain motivation

connect with others

identify and develop alternative coping methods

reduce resentment about changing

identify, understand and cope with craving

build a new, balanced life

lead a life that is purposeful, meaningful and reasonably happy

stay alert for problems and follow through all the way

To accomplish these tasks, you will need to make MANY decisions along the way. However, your judgment about your addictive behavior(s) has not been good. How could you trust yourself to make decisions about recovery?

You could put yourself in the hands of others (AA, a therapist, your higher power, etc.). However, many are not willing to do this, yet still want recovery.

For these individuals, recovery is a process of discovery. You will need to think about new ways of being and behaving. You will try them out, first in imagination, and possibly in practice. Like a scientific researcher, you will need to determine which ideas are most promising and need to be tested first. If these early ideas are successful, you may not even need to try more! The whole process, however, will need to be guided by your own judgment.

Your self-doubt may be strong, especially if you think you are “out of control.” However, you still have capabilities and can still make good decisions (even if you also make some bad ones). You are able to identify these words and understand them. You have decided to continue reading, which keeps open the possibility you will learn something new and helpful. You are searching for information, and you realize you need it. Half of solving any problem is recognizing it. You are not completely without judgment, resources or capabilities!

One of the common thinking errors is all-or-none thinking. If you have made some less-than-great decisions (and who hasn’t!) then it may seem sensible to conclude that your judgment is completely gone. However, your judgment in many (if not most) areas of life is fine. Your take this competence for granted, but it is nevertheless real. If your judgment is adequate in these areas, you can develop it in other areas also.

If my judgment is so good, why haven’t I overcome addiction already? Probably because you haven’t focused on it sufficiently. To overcome addiction involves facing up to the conflict of wanting the addiction but not wanting the consequences. Faced with this conflict, we often just hope it will go away. There are always other problems you can pay attention to! Even individuals with superlative judgment have difficulty prioritizing problems. You could wait, because your conflict might go away on its own, just as you wished. Changing jobs or neighborhoods, developing new relationships, or other life changes are often associated with addiction changes.

However, you can decide it’s time to face addiction problems, and stay focused on them until they are solved. You will need to follow that good decision with a few more good decisions. But you make decisions all day long, and must be fairly good at it or you wouldn’t still be here. Stay focused on the recovery decisions you need to make, learn from your mistakes, and make recovery happen!

Paddy

Over the past several decades the phrase “Chemical Imbalance” has become a household term that has evolved into the preconceived concept of a brain disease that is directly responsible for depression and psychological disorders. Obviously, no one would come to this conclusion without a little persuasion from the psychiatric community, pharmaceutical companies, or the media! But, what exactly is a chemical imbalance and how does it play a role in addictive behavior? First let’s clarify the fact that there isn’t a pathological test to diagnose a chemical imbalance. So, if you can’t test for it, how does one confirm that it even exists? Well, to be honest it’s purely hypothetical in nature! That’s right! There is absolutely NO clinical evidence that supports this theory let alone that it is responsible for depression or addiction. The chemical imbalance theory was created in the early sixties when a group of prominent psychiatrists conducted a research study using various psychoactive and hallucinogenic drugs including the likes of LSD. There conclusion is as follows: The study confirmed that the drugs tested do in fact alter the chemical balance and structure of the brain. Therefore, any abnormality in psychological and emotional behavior must be contributed to a chemical brain imbalance!!!! To most onlookers this conclusion flies in the face of basic common sense and questions the very intention of the researchers. Ironically, anti-depressant usage has more than tripled over the past two decades. Coincidence?? You decide!!!

So, how does chemical brain imbalance play a role in addiction? Well, most inpatient and outpatient addiction treatments employ cognitive behavioral therapy which exposes the addicted person to psychotherapy, and quite frequently a chemical imbalance diagnosis. When a clinician diagnoses a patient with a chemical imbalance, in my opinion, he/or she arrives at that conclusion purely by speculation which is based on the above-mentioned hypothesis. None the less, many people including those that suffer from addiction are immediately tagged with a chemical imbalance diagnosis!!! It is no secret that the majority of all addicted people do suffer from depression; however, it is preposterous to claim it is caused by a chemical imbalance. The National Institute on Drug Abuse continues to push the addiction brain disease theory to the tune of billions of dollars, and they present hundreds of CT Scans demonstrating the effects of drugs on brain chemistry. No one can dispute the fact that drugs are mind altering drugs, but the (NIDA) has failed to present one single shred of evidence to demonstrate that a chemical imbalance is the root cause of a person’s addictive behavior.

In my opinion, depression and addiction are directly related to self-esteem issues. These issues are propagated by the family dysfunctions control, abuse, alcoholism, and part-time parenting. Experience has taught me that these dysfunctions are generally at the root of the emotional pain that is responsible for addiction and depression. Therefore, the key to beating addiction and depression is to liberate oneself from the dysfunction that caused it and to restore self esteem through empowerment. 

Best wishes,

David Roppo

The Addiction Freedom Coach 

If you would like more information on how to beat addiction or how to stop drinking subscribe to my free e-guide below…..

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Christopher

self hypnosis to stop smoking will make many people imagine stage magicians with swinging watches and forcing their subjects do strange, amazing and often very silly things for the entertainment of a crowd. Smokers who have used this technique to give up smoking cigarettes do not believe such thoughts now that they have used this techniques to be free of cigarettes and living a healthier cigarette free existence. There is one question though, was it self hypnosis that enabled them to quit or is this just some kind of mental placebo?

To uncover the truth we must delve into hypnosis beyond the stereotypes to prove its worth as a psychological instrument that is worth using. To explain further. hypnosis is actually a place of complete mental relaxation which is a lot like deep meditation where you are always in control of your own mind and actions and thoughts; images of mind control are totally false as you always remain in control of your mind. What it can do is remove some of the white noise of your conscious mind whichin turn reduces your inhibitions and barriers which is why stage magicians can be highly suggestive making their subjects go along with their pranks.

So self hypnotism is just a state of total relaxation that allows you to reduce inhibitions by bypassing the conscious mind which keeps those inhibitions at the fore and is always analyzing all you sense and everything you . When you are in this state someone who is self hypnotized can analyze their mind without distraction or outside influence and can then insert new ways of thinking and behaving. This allows you to be in situations where you crave a cigarette and react with a behavioral instinct to choose not to smoke rather than to want to smoke even if you now you should quit which by now is your default habit.

If you can see these things you may agree that hypnotism works and self hypnotism is just doing it to yourself. It is not magic but instead a way to change your behaviors without interference at a deeper level. Self hypnosis to quit smoking cigarettes will work if you come to it with an open mind and willingness to attempt it. After all, you only have poor health and possible lung cancer to lose!

For more information on self hypnosis to quit smoking click below to find out how easy it can be to hypnotize yourself along with every step you will need to make that state count in your quest to give up cigarettes to live a healthier and longer life.

Stop smoking with self hypnosis

Floyd

Alcohol is often mentioned in one breath with drugs, especially when the subject is abuse or addiction. More often, alcohol is referred to as a separate substance and in fact, its abuse is often discussed separately from that of drugs. But can alcohol be considered a drug?

Drug defined

If a textbook definition is used, a drug may be defined as a substance that has an effect on living cells and their function and is also used for medical purposes for the diagnosis, prevention and cure of disorders and diseases. As such, alcohol may not be considered as a drug since it is not used directly to effect a cure. However, it is also a substance that can have similar effects to drugs to disinfect, act as an analgesic, a tranquilizer or rarely, a stimulant.

The link between alcohol and drugs

Alcohol is said to possibly be a contributor to health as some are some drugs, but alcohol, like some drugs can be addictive. When used in moderate amounts, alcohol has been said to improve cardiovascular health. However, health experts discourage non-drinkers to start drinking alcohol for the sole reason of benefiting the heart. They recommend that other methods such as exercising and eating a good diet, should be considered as the first line of defense.

As an addictive substance, alcohol can be as bad as drugs. Alcohol abuse and addiction, often referred in general terms as alcoholism, is a common problem in many communities, able to cut across economic and social barriers. It also produces a physical dependence and when it does, it becomes a chronic disease. The use of too much alcohol, like drugs, can also increase tolerance and produce withdrawal symptoms.

Like drugs, alcoholism can lead to family, health and social problems. It’s not uncommon for alcoholics to destroy family and social relationships, lose their jobs or turn to illegal activities in order to support their habit. It also causes health problems that are potentially life threatening, such as liver cirrhosis and cancer.

The danger of alcohol

Alcohol affects different people in different ways, and for some that may be trouble. Some individuals, for example, are more prone to suffer from the effects of alcohol compared to others who drink the same amount. However, the danger of using alcohol cannot be emphasized enough. The devastating effect of alcoholism on families and society is well documented and recognized.

Alcohol use is also often discouraged in pregnant women, older people, individuals who have heart diseases and hypertension and those who are taking certain medications. Alcohol, like drugs, not only produces physical dependence, it also promotes neurochemical conditioning, where an individual develops a tolerance to the substance, encouraging him to use alcohol in increasing amounts. Alcohol can also change an individual’s perception in its true benefits, allowing a person to think that alcohol is needed in order for them to function socially and emotionally.

Getting help for alcohol addiction or abuse

Once the problem with alcohol addiction or abuse is acknowledged and accepted, the road to recovery may begin. There are plenty of local and national treatment centers and resources that may be tapped for help, either as a source of information or as a means for rehabilitation.

There are several approaches to the treatment of alcoholism, depending on how it is viewed. However, most treatments tend to focus on encouraging people to stop alcohol intake. It is often supplemented by social networking and group supports, along with life training, to effectively help alcoholics from using alcohol again.

Since alcohol, like drugs, often involves a combination of factors that lead to misuse and addiction, these factors are often considered first before a course of treatment is prescribed. It is often more effective in helping in alcohol treatment and in preventing future relapses.

Taylor

You can overcome shopping addiction and dependence with the help of a hypnosis CD. Overcoming urges to buy things at the mall and retail stores is very difficult. However, you can walk by a shop without making a purchase with the help of your subconscious mind. It doesn’t matter if your addictive spending is on objects, clothing or online. You can find help.

Nature of Addictive Purchasing

When you buy things in excess, you may have great feelings of elations for a moment. This feeling is commonly followed by buyer’s remorse, guilt and anxiety. This is especially problematic if your spending habits have lead to financial problems.

Overspending is a serious addiction that requires attention before you do harm to the financial aspects your life. This financial stress can lead to emotional discordance and anxiety. These feelings are aggravated by problems in relationships between you and your loved ones.

Buying Happiness

You are literally buying happiness when you shop in excess. Overspending is closely related to positive feelings in your subconscious mind. This process is a simple stimulus-response experience that works on a very fundamental level.

Your subconscious mind holds on to experiences that are significant and somewhere along the line, you had a very positive buying experience that been adopted into the subconscious. When you want to feel better, you may make purchases to have that same feeling of elation that you did when you made that initial, inspiring purchase.

Overcome Shopping Addiction Hypnosis CD

A viable approach to dealing with this purchasing cycle is to go directly to the subconscious mind to change your responses. This is very difficult to do on a conscious level. In fact, you have probably tried to tell yourself that you shouldn’t spend too much money. You know that you will feel awful after you do but you continue with the behavior anyway.

You continue with the behavior because it is an addiction, just like any addictive experience. You can become dependent on the feelings of elations when you buy things just as an alcoholic becomes dependent on the act of drinking. The core of your addictions is habit and behavior.

Self-hypnosis seeks to retrain the subconscious mind to have different responses to stressful situations. You no longer feel the urge to make purchases because you begin to look at things realistically. False pleasure and buying happiness are replaced with genuine feelings of relaxation.

Overcoming Addictive Overspending

Getting over addictive overspending is every bit as difficult as getting over a substance abuse problem. You go through the same process of anxiety, feelings of loss and withdrawal. The withdrawal is not physical but the psychological withdrawal is just as powerful.

You can find an excellent recording that can help you overcome your shopping addiction here - Overcome Shopping Addiction. This composition is by renowned hypnotherapist, Joseph Clough who brings his valuable insight and natural talent to each of his sessions. Other helpful recordings are available here Hypnosis CD. Simply follow the links for more information.

Luis

How can a newcomer best overcome a serious problem like drug or alcohol addiction?

Newcomers to recovery will stumble and fail in high numbers because they fail to take action in a few key areas.

Most people think that it is a problem of knowledge, that the chronic relapse victim simply doesn’t know how to stay clean. This is untrue because there is no great secret to recovery but there is some hard work involved. So it is a question of action and of following through with things.

There are many struggling addicts who have continuously relapsed and keep returning to a 12 step program, completely mystified as to how they can not “get it.” They think that they are failing to grasp a key concept of recovery, but in fact what they are doing is failing in terms of execution. It is not a lack of knowledge that defeats them but a lack of action.

Overcoming addiction requires work. It is not going to happen if you are sitting at home on the couch and trying to wish your problem away. There are several alternative programs for staying clean and sober but the most popular ones are 12 step based such as AA or NA. Regardless of which program you follow, the key is in taking action.

None of the recovery programs out there are special or have the secret sauce that the other programs are lacking–it doesn’t work that way. You can be sober if you follow virtually any recovery program. The key is in actually following it. You have to take action and do the footwork if you want to reap the benefits.

One of the biggest keys is in finding a way to connect with others in early recovery. Many will do this and still relapse, but the support you get from networking with others in recovery cannot be denied. If you really want to stay clean and sober then you are going to need some guidance and the only way to achieve this is to ask for help. Whether or not you believe in the 12 step program is irrelevant because anyone can benefit from the peer support you can get from that fellowship.

Now this peer support part of recovery is important in early recovery but later on as you enter long term sobriety then something needs to change. The reason for this is because what got you clean and sober will not keep you clean and sober. The tactics you use for early recovery can only carry you so far and eventually you will need to make the shift towards personal growth. If you do this then you can enjoy a lifetime of recovery instead of becoming dependent on meetings and possibly relapsing.

It is not that meetings are bad for the recovering alcoholic or drug addict, but only that a dependency on them that is bad. If you are afraid to quit going to meetings after a few years of recovery then something is wrong. You should be exploring holistic growth avenues and pushing yourself to develop personally so that you are not so dependent on a social solution.

Once you learn how to push yourself to grow in different areas of your life then you can move beyond the traditional social solution that is daily meetings and group therapy and start really living a solid life of recovery.

Floyd

Alcoholism is very serious disease manifested through continued drinking and craving for alcohol. It can cause numerous alcohol-related problems, such as breaking the law or losing your job, and even death. The symptoms of alcoholism include increased tolerance to alcohol, physical dependence, impaired control and craving for alcohol. Increased tolerance refers to needing more and more alcohol to get high. Physical dependence refers to the symptoms that a person has once he or she has stopped drinking after a period of drinking alcohol heavily; these symptoms include anxiety, sweating, nausea, shakiness, etc. Once a person has begun drinking regularly, we can witness what is referred to as impaired control, that is, the inability to put an end to it. The craving for alcohol refers to feeling a strong compulsion to drink.

The kind of alcohol that a person drinks, what amount of alcohol he or she consumes, or how long he or she has been drinking are almost irrelevant to defining alcoholism and identifying alcoholics. On the other hand, if a person has an uncontrollable need to drink, this is a very good indication that the person in question may be an alcoholic, especially if the action occurs regularly.

Many issues arise when dealing with alcoholism. Admitting that you are an alcoholic and wanting to get help are two very important steps forward. Joining an alcohol rehab program is nothing to be ashamed of, because it is a well-known fact that most alcoholics cannot recover from this disease without outside professional assistance.

The denial that most people manifest towards their alcohol problems makes them enter an alcohol rehab program unwillingly. Admission to alcohol rehab may be prompted by many factors, such as health problems, family issues or legal difficulties; however, in the absence of such factors, an intervention may be required in order to get someone into an alcohol rehab program. An intervention refers to the process coordinated by a specialist, through which a person with a severe alcohol problem is determined to accept the fact that he or she is in serious need of alcohol rehab.

Recovery from alcoholism generates a series of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which most alcohol addicts cannot handle, unless they benefit from professional assistance. Moreover, treating alcohol addiction can be a very complex process, depending on a series of factors specific to each individual. For these reasons, the persons who have an alcohol addiction problem are strongly recommended to enter an inpatient alcohol rehab program.

The benefits of joining an alcohol rehab program are numerous. The most notable one is, of course, the effective treatment of an individual’s alcohol addiction. Each individual’s particular needs and problems represent a critical factor in making a choice of the most appropriate alcohol rehab program, a choice that only a specialist at a rehab center can make. Some people may even require a certain combination of alcohol rehab techniques in order to ensure effective treatment.

An alcohol rehab center can provide patients with alcohol problems with many services, according to the seriousness of their condition. A comprehensive alcohol rehab program includes recreation therapy, individual, group and family therapy, art therapy, and so forth. Furthermore, patients with coexisting disorders can receive integrated treatment that will effectively cure both diseases. The strategies used to engage patients in alcohol rehab and determine them to stay in the treatment program are also important services provided by rehab centers, as many people decide to leave the treatment prematurely, which leads to reoccurrence of their problems.

The duration of a patient’s stay in an alcohol rehab center depends on his or her particular problems; however, the typical time frame is that of up to six weeks. This may seem like a long time to many people, which is why the rehab center you choose should be able to offer comfortable treatment and relaxing conditions for their residents.

If you are looking for a great alcohol rehab program please visit this link.

Bruce

An alcoholic can be helped to find freedom from alcohol. And, anyone can help who has some counseling or interviewing ability.

There are Two Main Signs of Alcoholism

Alcoholics suffer from an illness that stops them seeing their real condition (denial) and a tolerance to alcohol that keeps them drinking beyond safe levels (loss of control).

Denial of the Effect of Alcohol

Everyone uses denial. It is a normal subconscious way to carry out day to day activities without annoying interference. To illustrate; Stop for a minute and listen to the sounds around you. More than likely you will hear sounds that you were not aware of previously. If you listened to these sounds constantly you would probably get an overload of noise and may not be able to carry out your normal duties.

But denial does not just occur. It grows over time and may be so deeply ingrained in the subconscious that it is no longer a decision to deny anything.

In the noise example from above; denial begins as simple avoidance and minimizing of noises around you. You build up a resistance, a second nature of denial of interfering noises by blocking out more and more. After awhile you are not aware that you are blocking out anything.

Alcoholics are no different. They just block out another form of annoyance, the amount they drink and the effect of their drinking. And, again it starts out in small ways and builds over time.

Unfortunately for alcoholics their denial is contributing to the damage done by alcohol.

Loss of Control of Alcohol

Recent research suggests that alcoholics are born with a genetic variation that encourages them to drink. Males with alcoholic fathers need more alcohol to satisfy them than their non-afflicted peers. They need to drink more to get the same affect as males without an alcoholic father.

Additionally, alcoholics develop changes at the cellular level in the brain. These changes actually demand more alcohol be consumed and fed through these altered cells. In a similar way that we all experience hunger for food and our bodies demand more food. Alcoholics have an extra demand for alcohol.

So we have two aspects making an alcoholic drink more alcohol. There is the genetic demand for more and a change in the brain cells demanding more.

Loss of Control plus Denial of Effects

An alcoholic has slowly built up a subconscious defense about how much is drunk and the effect it is having. And, the alcoholic body demands more in the two ways discussed above.

One would imagine that in these circumstances an alcoholic is doomed to oblivion. Many do continue to the ultimate oblivion.

But, alcoholics can be helped - in the right circumstances. And they can be helped early in the progression of the disease to avoid serious trouble, or the ultimate oblivion.

A Window of Opportunity

Problem drinkers and alcoholics will eventually create a problem for themselves, or with other people, or a legal problem, or problems at work - sometimes affecting all these areas at the same time.

When this happens the drinker may be feeling emotional pain and may be in a ‘window of opportunity’ for listening to someone who cares, who really wants to help, and who can help.

Watch for these ‘windows’.

Anyone Can Help

If you care and can see the suffering of the drinker you have what it takes to help a problem drinker. You may be a loved one, a family member, a friend, a work mate or a healthcare professional.

With a little help from experienced people you will learn the particular action needed to enable anyone to see the reality of their problem and help them take action to solve the problem.

Helping Plan

Over the past 65 years healthcare workers have been trying out many types of counseling and helping plans for alcohol abuse. Some action programs have stood out as being consistently successful in getting alcoholics into recovery.

In these programs alcoholics are taken through a specific set of steps to highlight the effects that alcohol is having on their lives.

Disturb Denial

This process disturbs alcoholic denial and motivates the person to want to take action.

Motivation and Action Plan

But, more than motivation is needed. The alcoholic needs to know what to do and also support to carry out an action plan.

A successful plan includes putting the alcoholic in touch with other recovering people immediately they make a decision that they have a real problem.

Family and Friends of Alcoholics

A similar interview style may also be applied to family and friends who may be suffering from the effects of a loved ones drinking. They too may need disturbance of their own denial and a workable action plan.

Compassion and Empathy

The person applying such a program needs to have compassion and empathy for the alcoholic. An understanding of the inner pain and remorse they are suffering is essential.

If you can, try to identify someone who can help. Doctors, counselors and psychologists are a good starting point. Or, if you are so inclined, get the training yourself.

Be ready for the next ‘window of opportunity’. When you see one approaching gently offer to put them in touch with the helper. If you have gained the necessary knowledge you will know what to do.

Robin Foote, BA, NCAC, TSF.

www.BriefTSF.com

Copyright © Robin J Foote 2005. This article may be copied and freely distributed providing the link to www.BriefTSF.com is maintained.

Lara

What causes college students to abuse alcohol? The answers are probably many, but the simplest answer is this: Because they can.

Abusing Alcohol is Easy

When there are so few immediate consequences for excessive drinking, when repeat offenders are not disciplined, when parents are not notified about their children’s drinking activities, when students get mixed messages from the college administration about alcohol, when students have seen their parents drinking alcohol in an irresponsible manner, when students are not informed about the long-tern negative consequences of alcohol abuse, when there are few alcohol-free social and recreational activities that are attractive to students, when minors or intoxicated students are served alcoholic beverages by the local drinking establishments, and when the drinking activities in the sororities and fraternities are not monitored—drinking and excessive drinking become so very easy.

What Draws Students to Abuse Alcohol?

When peer pressure or influence is added to the equation, when it is disregarded that drinking alcohol temporarily removes a person from his or her problems, when ignoring the belief or perception that drinking alcohol makes it easier to socialize with potential dating or sexual partners, when it is so acceptable to engage in activities that emphasize the drinking of alcohol, when the “good feelings” or the “fun” of getting an alcohol high or buzz are not considered, and when the party atmosphere at college is expected by students–it becomes more clear regarding what causes college students to abuse alcohol.

More Than Education is Needed

While I am 100% pro-education, especially when it comes to drug and alcohol abuse prevention, I don’t think that education is the only solution or the only weapon that can be successfully used in the battle against college drug and alcohol abuse. Let me explain.

Proactive and Reactive Measures

With respect to alcohol abuse in higher education, many reactive AND proactive measures have been initiated at some colleges and universities that have reduced the availability, acceptability, and irresponsibility of alcohol use on and off campus. The result: a noticeable, if not a significant reduction in alcohol-related problems manifested by students.

What are some of these measures? Establishing immediate consequences for excessive drinking, disciplining repeat alcohol abuse offenders, notifying parents about their children’s drinking activities, eliminating mixed messages by college administrators about alcohol (for instance, removing alcohol advertisements from stadiums and from sports brochures), informing students about the long-tern negative consequences of alcohol abuse, increasing alcohol-free social and recreational activities that are attractive to students, having college administrators talk to the owners of local drinking establishments so that minors and/or intoxicated students are not served alcohol, and monitoring the drinking activities in the sororities and fraternities.

Medical Research and Treatment Are Not Enough

I assert, however, that the above proactive and reactive measures, most of which are NOT education-based, are needed to compliment educational approaches. Why? I am enough of a realist to believe that even if medical research eventually discovers viable ways to escape addiction and if the medical community is able to offer effective treatment to all who need it, there will always be those who, for whatever reason, will choose to disregard medical warnings, ignore their health, and who will discount common sense as they involve themselves in alcohol and/or drug abuse.

Copyright 2007 - Denny Soinski. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, and give the author credit.

Allison

Over the years most psychologists, counselors, and addiction specialists have deemed addiction to be a disease. However, there is no pathological test that can be administered to diagnose addiction. Therefore, addiction can not and should not be categorized as a disease. So, if addiction is not a disease, what exactly is it? In my opinion, it should be classified as a behavior and moreover a choice! Now, most individuals who have experienced the painful ramifications of habitual behavior are not under any false pretence concerning the definition of addiction, although some are in denial of it. However, what about individuals who abuse substances and compulsions without experiencing the destruction of their livelihood, finances, or family life? Do these individuals have an addiction? Addiction is a behavior, and as with any type of defined behavior there exists varying degrees of severity. As an example, some individuals can drink alcohol in moderation without using it to hide their emotional pain or allowing it to destroy their family, finances, or health. So where is the cut-off point? When is it an addiction, and when is it not? To assist you with that distinction, I have compiled the following questionnaire.

Do you have an addiction? Evaluate your current behavior by answering the following yes or no questions. (If the answer to each sentence is yes give yourself 1 point)

O Do you lose time from work due to your habitual behavior?

O Is your behavior making your home life unhappy?

O  Do you abuse substances because you are shy with other people?

O Is your behavior affecting your reputation?

O Have you ever felt remorse after abusing substances or compulsions?

O Have you had financial difficulties as a result of your behavior?

O Does your behavior make you careless of your family’s welfare?

O Do you turn to inferior environments when abusing substances?

O Has your ambition decreased because of your behavior?

O Do you crave substances at a definite time daily?

O Does your behavior cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?

O Has your efficiency decreased because of your behavior?

O Is your behavior jeopardizing your job or business?

O Do you abuse substances or compulsions to escape from worries or trouble?

O Have you ever had a loss of memory as a result of your behavior?

O Do you abuse substances or compulsions to build up your self-confidence?

O Do you ever feel bad about your behavior?

O Do you feel that your behavior is problematic?

O Do you hide some of your habitual behaviors from others?

O Do you feel controlled by your habitual behavior?

 What was your over all score?

Jot down below the top 5 things that jumped out at you from completing the evaluator? How will you change them?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Using your total point score reference the chart below to determine if you have an addiction and/or what stage it is in.

Addiction points

0 - Addiction freedom

5-10 - You may be approaching co-dependency

10-20 - Highly probable that you have an addiction

Addiction Freedom

Bravo! Your have a life filled with happiness and no habitual behavior!

Approaching co-dependency

Your behavior has the potential to reach a level of addiction, but you need a positive direction and bit of action to guide you toward a positive lifestyle.

Probable addiction

You are likely in the mists of addiction crisis, or could be headed for one soon! You may require an immediate, addiction freedom, action plan!

For more information on how to overcome addiction subscribe to my free 5-Step how to beat addiction E-guide!

overcoming addiction

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Best wishes,

The Adiction Freedom Coach

Judy