about ADDICTION & ALCOHOLISM . . . It's not about how much you use or drink.
Addiction...Alcoholism...Substance Abuse...Chemical Dependency...What do they all mean? Put simply,
they all mean the same thing. For purposes of brevity, throughout this website, 'addiction' will apply to all because they
all involve a dependence, whether physical, psychological or otherwise, on a chemical
substance that eventually controls us and permeates every area of our lives. The days of controlling our drinking or drug
use are long gone, and the compulsion to drink or use is overpowering and beyond our control. We try not to drink or drink as much, or we
may even change what we drink, but the resulting unmanageability of our lives is still there. We've basically lost our power of choice once we take
that first drink or that first drug.
Generally speaking, addiction is a hereditary disease. Certain people have a chemical make-up that predisposes them to be
especially susceptible to it. One of the most
popular misconceptions is that an individual can control themselves and how much they drink or use. While this is certainly true
in the beginning or after someone has experienced an extended period of sobriety, once they start drinking or using, it is only a
matter of time until the drugs and / or alcohol control us. We promise ourselves and others that
we won't drink today, however, at some point the overwhelming compulsion explodes within us and we give in to this irresistable
urge. In sobriety we understand two things: addiction is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit, and it indeed is a phenomenon.
It's only been over the past decade that addiction and dependency and even alcoholism have all been accepted into
the arena of 'addiction.' No matter the substance, be it marijuana, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, or alcohol, they're all
the same...they're all a form of a drug. There's no difference between alcohol and methamphetamine except their forms
and of course their chemical properties. However, they're still drugs. They can still be abused, and they can
still trap certain men and women with proper predisposition in their addictive grasps.
Do I have an Alcohol or Drug Problem?
- I use drugs other than those prescribed by a physician?
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People bother me about my drinking or drug use?
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I feel bad or guilty about my drinking or drug use?
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I feel I should cut down on my drinking or drug use?
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A doctor has told me to cut down or quit using alcohol or drugs?
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My drinking or drug use has caused family, job or legal problems?
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I have had a memory loss after using drugs or alcohol?
If you no to all questions:
You do not appear to be have a drug or alcohol problem that requires any intervention, so long as you answered honestly.
If your alcohol or substance abuse habits change, come back and take the assessment again.
If you do want to speak with someone, please visit our treatment locator page ... someone is available 24/7 to answer your questions.
If you answer yes to any one question:
You may not have a problem if you answered honestly and feel you can make any changes in your drinking or drug use that
will resolve any problems they may be causing in your life.
If you answer yes to 2 or more questions:
You likely have drug or alcohol problem that requires help. You can expect your life and your health to greatly improve if
you get your alcohol or drug problem under control. The assessment page has some options to help you get on your way.
Other helpful resources:
www.oxycontin-detox.com
www.rapid-detox-referral.com
www.mrods.com
www.treatment-centers.net
