Am I An Addict Quiz

What is Addiction? Is It the Same as Substance Abuse?

Addiction is the continued and compulsive use of a substance beyond the point at which it begins to cause negative experiences for the user. Addiction is a step further down the ladder toward rock bottom from “substance abuse.”

Anybody can abuse substances. Some people abuse a certain substance and yet choose to do so once or twice per year because they know that they’ll lose control if they use it beyond that. Some people must abstain entirely from substance use because they’re unable to use them recreationally. Each reunion with substances will result in excessive usage patterns that lead to detrimental health, social, financial, or relationship problems. If this process isn’t stopped then it will inevitably lead to addiction and physical dependence.

Addiction and substance abuse go hand-in-hand, although it is possible to become addicted to a substance that you’re not necessarily abusing. For example, you can become addicted to drugs prescribed by a doctor. You can also become addicted to ritual-like elements associated with drug use, such as the familiar comfort of pouring a glass of wine and watching your favorite show at night.

Psychological Addiction

This type of addiction is more psychological than physical. You come to develop the belief that this ritual or substance is an important causative factor for your happiness, your comfort, your sociability or likeability, et cetera. Any aspect of your life that is temporarily enhanced by drugs or alcohol can become the focal point of addiction.

In its earliest stages, addiction doesn’t cause many problems. In fact there only seem to be problems when you aren’t able to enjoy your daily/weekly/monthly ritual. In place of this ritual, you’ll feel an empty void, whereas before using the substance you would have filled this time with whatever felt right at the moment.

Now, after many months or years of filling that time with drugs or alcohol, however minimal the amount may be, you feel unpleasant if you aren’t able to do so. This is the first problem that results from substance abuse. The fortunate ones are those who realize that they’ve developed a problem this early on.

The problem arises because drugs and alcohol make us feel good without having to work for pleasure. Typically it takes time and effort for us to feel pleasure. This is a mechanism orchestrated by a part of the brain called the mesolimbic reward pathway. This pathway allows the transmission of the reward chemical, called dopamine. This chemical is released and goes about the brain, activating ‘receptor sites’ that produce sensations of well-being and pleasure.

This driving force is what keeps us motivated to achieve things in life. It is activated when we exercise, accomplish goals, have sex, eat healthy food, and discover new places and ideas. It encourages us, basically, to keep living.

Drugs or alcohol can produce these same sensations without us having to do anything. Without considerable effort and awareness, as well as rigorous self-honesty, then they will absolutely lead to addiction! After all, how could you not get addicted to the sensation of achievement and reward, without having to actually put any effort in? It’s like a cheat code for life!

Addiction & Physical Dependence – Similarities and Differences

Unfortunately, that’s not how we’re wired to work. Drugs and alcohol (at least, those found in nature) can be useful. They can facilitate a good mindset for a gathering or festival, or they can provide extra pep when we’re bogged down with more than we can handle. This is responsible, recreational use of substances.

But this is a very thin line to walk. Many fall off the line and into addiction and physical dependence. These two issues often occur alongside one another, although they are not the same. Physical dependence is pretty much always accompanied by addiction; sometimes it’s simply referred to as physical addiction. However, some situations—such as someone receiving a lot of pain medication in the hospital—may result in physical dependence without the psychological component of addiction.

Dependence occurs when your body becomes completely adapted to the presence of a certain substance. It will effectively stop producing the neurochemicals that are associated with that drug. You will thus require that drug to function at 100%. Without it, you’ll be running into a deficit. This is called withdrawal.

Signs of Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms can be immensely varied. Oftentimes symptoms are the polar opposite of the positive sensations associated with the drug.

• Shaking hands, tremors, twitching
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Difficulty focusing, confusion, brain fog
• Sweating, difficulty regulating body temperature, hot flashes, and cold sweats
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping extreme amounts
• Nausea, vomiting, digestive cramping, and diarrhea
• Increased sensitivity to pain, muscle and bone aches
• Loss of motivation and energy, fatigue
• Depression, inability to find pleasure in ordinary activities
• Antisocial behavior and isolation
• General feelings of malaise and discomfort
• Feelings of hopelessness and despair
• Restless legs syndrome, feeling bugs crawling under your skin
• Loss of appetite or extreme appetite changes

“Am I An Addict?” Quiz

This quiz is a series of yes or no questions. Each time you answer yes, add one point.

1. Do you find yourself spending more money than you plan to on drugs or alcohol?
2. Have you told yourself or your friends and family that you plan to stop and yet find yourself unable?
3. Have your friends or family suggested that you receive help?
4. Has your social circle changed as a result of your substance abuse?
5. Do you experience cravings if you do not have access to them?
6. Do you experience withdrawal symptoms if you do not use drugs or alcohol for several hours?
7. Do you find that your behavior has changed as a result of your substance use?
8. Have you considered seeking help or have others recommended treatment?
9. Have you lost or gained a significant amount of weight in a short period?
10. Have you begun to experience significant changes in emotional health or mood swings?
11. Do you find yourself lying about the amount you consume?
12. Has your employment, education, or responsibilities been negatively affected?
13. Have you ever willingly chosen not to meet an obligation due to substance use?
14. Have you noticed changes in your libido?
15. Have you or others noticed a change in your physical appearance?
16. Do you often find yourself dipping out of social situations to use?
17. Are you using drugs as a form of self-medication for anxiety or mood?
18. Have you noticed changes in your personal hygiene habits?
19. Have you noticed that you are using more substances than you were at the beginning?
20. Have you intentionally used it in a situation that you knew would create potential hazards?
21. Have you noticed a diminishing function of your cognitive or physical abilities?

Calculating Your Score

0-3 Points – Occasional, Recreational Usage

You are likely at a responsible level of recreational use. It’s extremely important that you remain aware of the potential risks of continuing.

4-9 Points – The Honeymoon Phase

Some of your substance use has entered the territory of abuse. This is a critical stage. A decision to remain passive is often a decision to be moved further down the path toward addiction.

9-15 Points – Addiction & Dependence

In this stage, you are definitely addicted and likely physically dependent. You are probably becoming familiar with withdrawal symptoms. It is time to seek professional help.

16-21 Points – Serious Chemical Dependency

You have a severe substance abuse problem. Attempting to stop without professional help could lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms and potentially hospitalization.

What Do I Do Now?

The best way to handle a score in the higher brackets is to attend a rehab facility. Seeking rehab allows you to engage in a professionally-guided recovery program to learn the tools and techniques needed to reclaim your life.

Final Thoughts

If you score any more than 4 points, you’ve entered the realm of substance abuse. Reconcile with your substance use and acknowledge the path you are on. You can either turn around and seek help, or keep following this path toward a single destination: addiction.