The image below shows some of the most commonly seen traits in addiction. This list gives you a brief overview of the most commonly seen traits. If you would like to see the full list of traits that may mean you have an addiction. Please see the text below the image below to see a full comprehensive list.
If you meet some or all of the criteria on the list below may mean you have a substance abuse/addiction issue. If you meet criteria we would highly recommend that you contact either your GP or Drug and Alcohol Service as soon as possible. Contact information for your nearest service can be found on our help and support page.
Full List Of Traits
1. Do you ever use alone?
2. Have you ever substituted one drug for another, thinking that one particular drug was the problem?
3. Have you ever manipulated or lied to a doctor to obtain prescription drugs?
4. Have you ever stolen drugs or stolen to obtain drugs?
5. Do you regularly use a drug when you wake up or when you go to bed?
6. Have you ever taken one drug to overcome the effects of another?
7. Do you avoid people or places that do not approve of you using drugs?
8. Have you ever used a drug without knowing what it was or what it would do to you?
9. Has your job or school performance ever suffered from the effects of your drug use?
10. Have you ever been arrested as a result of using drugs?
11. Have you ever lied about what or how much you use?
12. Do you put the purchase of drugs ahead of your financial responsibilities?
13. Have you ever tried to stop or control your using?
14. Have you ever been in a jail, hospital, or drug rehabilitation centre because of your using?
15. Does using interfere with your sleeping or eating?
16. Does the thought of running out of drugs terrify you?
17. Do you feel it is impossible for you to live without drugs?
18. Do you ever question your own sanity?
19. Is your drug use making life at home unhappy?
20. Have you ever thought you couldn’t fit in or have a good time without drugs?
What Do I Do If I Meet Some Or All Of The Traits?
If you feel that you do have an addiction to one or more substances then admitting that you have a problem is the first step to recovery. As a rule of thumb, if the substance is one that you get from your GP or over the counter then we would suggest that you begin by talking to your GP and explain what’s going on so that they can either reduce you slowly off of it to minimise any uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms or switch you to a different alternative that isn’t addictive.
If however the substance(s) are illegal or involve alcohol then we suggest that you contact your nearest Drug And Alcohol Service so that they can do a full assessment and help you with things such as groups, MAT (such as Methadone or similar), other types of medication as well as access to counselling, mental health support and mindfulness/meditation. You can find your nearest Drug And Alcohol Service or GP surgery (if you are not already registered with one) on our help and support page.
It is important that do not suddenly stop using drugs or alcohol until you have been assessed by your GP or by your local drug and alcohol service as suddenly stopping can put you into withdrawal and certain symptoms can become so severe that they may be life threatening. Your GP or local drug and alcohol service will be able to help you with possible alternatives, such as MAT (medication assisted treatment), other prescription medications, reductions and detox, therapies and much more.
You can also find more relevant articles on our blog which will provide you with more information, advice, tools, techniques and coping strategies.
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