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Are
You an Addict?
Dr.
Bill Gaultiere
Executive
Director of New Hope
Are you (or
someone you know) struggling with a compulsion or addiction? Do
you have a problem with alcohol, drugs, food, sex, or another
behavior? To assess if a behavior pattern qualifies as an addiction
I use the acronym: "AN ADDICT." Keep track of
your "yes" answers, circling any of the eight symptoms
that have one or more yes answers.
- A
lone? Do you sometimes use the substance or activity
alone?
- N
on-premeditated use? Do you sometimes do this without
planning or intending to? Do family, friends, or conscience
tell you that you’re doing this too often?
- A
mnesia? Have you ever lost recollection of a period
of time during which you used this substance or activity? Do
hours seem like minutes when you do this? When doing this do
you soometmes forget appointments or commitments?
- D
epend on the "high?" Do you anticipate your
next opportunity to do this? Do you feel bad if you go an extended
period of time without doing this? Have you tried unsuccessfully
to cut back?
- D
istracted? Are you distracted with thoughts of doing
this? Has your performance at work or school gone down since
doing this?
- I
ncreased tolerance? Are you able to do more of this
than most people? Do you keep using this substance or activity
more and more to get the "high" you want?
- C
onceal supply? Do you hide this behavior or your access
to it? Do you lie about what you’re doing?
- T
ranquilizer? Do you do this to feel better or to numb
pain? Do you do this to forget about your problems?
Scoriing:
Three or more "yes" answers indicate that you may have
a problem with addictive or compulsive behavior. For diagnoses
and treatment consult in person with a doctor or psychotherapist.
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