Drug Abuse Questionnaire
Am I A Drug Addict?
The
simple definition for a drug addict is a person whose life is controlled
by drugs. Some think of an addict as the junkie in
the alley who sticks a dirty needle in his arm. This misconception
keeps many addicts from getting the help they need. Drug addicts
come from all walks of life and social strata. Many begin their
habit with prescription drugs obtained from well meaning family
doctors. Most do not intend to become drug addicts. Whether the
drug use comes from legal medications or illegal substances such
as crack cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines and marijuana, the consequences
of drug addiction can be devastating and just as deadly. Recognizing
that there is a problem is the first step of recovery.
If you think you may have a drug problem but are not sure that
it is a drug addiction, try answering the following questions as
honestly as you can. These questions were proposed by recovering
drug addicts
in Narcotics Anonymous as a tool of discovery. Once the signs of
addiction are clear to you, the path to recovery is attainable.
- Do you ever use drugs alone?
- Have you ever switched drugs, thinking one was the problem?
- Have you ever lied to a doctor to obtain
prescription drugs?
- Have you stolen drugs or stolen
to buy drugs?
- Have you ever used one drug
to relieve the effects of another drug?
- Do you avoid people
who would disapprove of your drug use?
- Have
you ever used a drug without knowing what it was?
- Has your job or school performance
suffered from your drug use?
- Have you
ever been arrested as a result of using drugs?
- Have
you ever lied about what or how much you use?
- Does the purchase
of drugs affect your financial stability?
- Have
you ever tried to stop or control your drug use
- Have
you ever been in a jail, hospital, or treatment center
due to using?
- Does drug use interfere with your
sleeping or eating?
- Does the thought of running out
of drugs terrify you?
- Does it seem impossible
to live without drugs?
- Is your drug use disrupting your family life or relationships?
- Do drugs seem necessary to have a good time and fit in?
- Have you ever
felt guilty or ashamed about your using?
- Do
you think a lot about drugs?
- Have you ever used drugs to mask your emotional
pain?
- Have you ever overdosed on any drugs?
- Do you continue to use drugs despite
negative consequences?
- Do you feel that you may have a drug problem?
If you are a drug addict or have a chemical dependency or substance
abuse problem, you must first admit the problem before any
progress
can
be made
toward
recovery.
These
questions, may help to show you how using
drugs has made your life unmanageable. Drug addiction is a disease
which, without recovery, ends in jails, mental institutions, and
even death.
Narcotics Anonymous which uses the same 12 step program as Alcoholics
Anonymous is one path of recovery from substance abuse, chemical
dependency and drug addiction. NA provides a lifetime program of
recovery.
If you feel you need an intensive inpatient or outpatient
program, there are many fine treatment centers based on the 12
step model used by NA. At A Friend of Bill's, we offer
a transitional living program based on the 12 steps of recovery.
If you would
like additional information about A Friend of Bill's or
if you have questions about your personal path to recovery, please
call
(615) 449-9514 or send email to recovery@friendofbills.com.
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