How Do I Know If I’m a Drug Addict?

Medically reviewed by

Isaac Alexis, M.D., AAMA, AMP-BC

February 20, 2019

Scenario one – For you, going out to the bars used to just happen on the weekend with friends, but now you find yourself going every night, whether others want to join you or not.

Scenario two – You thought you would just experiment with ecstasy, to find out what your friends were talking about, but now it’s become a habit, and one you don’t want to quit.

Scenario three – First it began with marijuana, but now you’ve gone on to use heroin, meth, and a whole slew of other drugs.

With drugs and alcohol, there can be a fine line between recreational use and full-on abuse. If you find yourself relating to one of the scenarios above, then you may be facing an addiction problem.

Use Vs. Abuse

So how does one know when they cross that line? Addiction is different for everyone, but there are ways to realize that your usage has taken a turn for the worse. Some are more obvious signs than others:

• If you struggle going a week or more without using
• If you want to stop doing drugs or drinking but can’t
• If you often blackout due to alcohol or drug usage
• If you feel withdrawal or detox symptoms after taking drugs
• If you have ever participated in an illegal activity while under the influence
• If you have stolen drugs or alcohol to get your fix
• If you tend to use more than one drug at a time
• If you’ve ever had medical problems while under the influence

Other problems aren’t as blatant to the user, but are still viable signs that your use has turned into abuse:

• If you feel guilty about your use, or shame if others knew how much you used
• If you find yourself making excuses for your usage
• If you hide your stash
• If others have noticed personality changes when you are under the influence
• If anyone has ever complained about your drug use
• If you have lost friends or other relationships with people over your drug use
• If you have ever lost a job due to drug use

Addiction is not only the craving or the perceived need to use and abuse drugs, but it is also the above-mentioned issues that affect your professional and personal life. If you said yes to one or more of these questions, then it is time that you reached out for help. More likely than not, these events mean you have an addiction on your hands.

Unfortunately, it is rare that non-addicts question themselves about their usage. It is usually those who are in the midst of an addiction that ponder this question and read articles such as this one. This is due to the likelihood that you feel guilty or concerned about your drug or alcohol use and have noticed problems associated with it. Most of the time it’s wise to follow your instincts on this question.

Where Do I Go From Here?

The good news is that drug addiction isn’t something you should face alone, and you don’t have to. At RehabCenter.net we provide you with the resources you need to help get yourself on the path to sobriety. With many different types of treatments to choose from and an abundance in every state, we are sure to help you find one that meets your needs and budget.

Whether your addiction has just begun and is manageable with an outpatient treatment plan, or if you’ve been addicted to a substance for years without fully realizing it and need a more structured inpatient treatment program, we are here to help. Don’t be afraid to reach out and take that first step today. Contact us at our number above and let us help you find the level of help you need.

View Infographic – How Do I Know If I’m a Drug Addict?