You know if you have an addictive dependency on alcohol, drugs, or nicotine if #1 and #2 are present:
#1 A maladapted pattern of the substance use leads to significant life impairment or distress.
#2 At least three of the following are present:
(a) Tolerance: you need more of the substance to reach the same effect than what you have needed in the past.
(b) Withdrawal: When you stop using the substance, you experience withdrawal symptoms,
such as a hangover, irritability, or other emotional or physical symptoms.
(c) You use the substance in larger amounts over a longer period of time than what you intend to.
(d) Your efforts to stop, reduce, or control your substance use has been unsuccessful.
(e) You spend twenty or more hours a week trying to obtain, use, recover from, or sleep off the substance.
(f) Your substance use replaces or interferes with your involvement in other life activities.
(g) Your substance use continues despite its causing or increasing physical or emotional problems (anxiety, depression, mood instability).
This Criteria is Based on APA (American Psychological Association), DSM IV-TR 2000.
If you want an evaluation or treatment for alcohol or another substance, please contact me at 303-663-5846. I have experience with successful recovery since 1992 with all addictions, including food. Don’t suffer in silence… please call.
Carol Ann Worthing, PhD, experienced in Alcohol Dependency and other related addictions.