 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
When does too much of a good thing...become a bad thing???
Tuesday, 31 March 2009.
Originally from express article 2 August 2006
By Di from Auckland Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS)
 |
| Diana Rands from CADS. |
A question that is often asked of us at Auckland CADS is "How do I know if I’m addicted to or dependent on my substance use?"
There are several ways to know if your use is heading towards addiction.
The first sign is when social use becomes more than social, when it begins to increase in importance.
Dependence can be emotional, especially initially if you find yourself thinking – "It makes me feel normal", "I can only unwind after a ---". Physical dependence usually follows later but with some substances it kicks in much quicker than with others. Physical dependence on alcohol, for example, is generally slow to develop but for P, valium and opiates it is much quicker.
Addiction involves a loss of control over use, where use continues despite harm to self and others and that the substance or substances become the focal point of your life above all other things.
An indicator of physical dependence is when you have to use more of the substance to get the same effect (tolerance) and when you stop using you experience unpleasant effects (withdrawal).
You get withdrawals because the body has to make changes to the nervous system in order to tolerate the amount of drug you are putting in. Then when you stop putting it in, your body has to reverse those changes and it ain’t usually pleasant.
Some warning signs are:
- Letting others down due to your use
- Finding that you drink/use more than you intended to (on a regular basis)
- Needing a morning drink or hit to make you feel better...
If you are wondering about your own use, the litmus test is to see if you can stop (all drug/alcohol use) for a couple of weeks. This will give you the ultimate insight into the role your drug use plays in your life.
If you have concerns about your own or someone else's alcohol or other drug use, or if you'd like more information, contact CADS on 845 1818 or www.cads.org.nz. If you live outside Auckland contact Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797.
> More items from Di's Drug Column
