Posted by vainamoinen on January 12, 2006, at 14:55:14
In reply to Re: our histories - Contemplation and Guilt » James K, posted by vbAgent on January 10, 2006, at 19:27:47
My experience with addiction is the following.
1) Compulsion, I feel compelled to use the substance whether or not it is fun or pleasurable. Sometimes I can control my using. Sometimes I cannot.
2) Obsession, I think about using my drug of choice when I am not under the influence.
3) Solutions, I think that a drug or drugs are the solution to my problems when in reality they are causing them or at least contributing to them.
Most people will tell you that addiction is when the use of a substance produces negative life consequences such as health, legal, employment, or relationship problems.My opinion is that it is possible to be addicted and "maintain" some semblance of a normal life.
Especially if the drugs are legal prescription drugs or are less toxic than alcohol. So the outward consequences may not be the best way to diagnose addiction.Here's a pretty easy way to tell if you have a problem.
Try to stop using for a while. Maybe just a week or a few days. If you find yourself thinking about your drug of choice a lot or can't stop for a few days than I'd say it's a problem.
After all if using isn't a problem, stopping shouldn't be a problem.
Also, the alcohol/drugs may be masking a more serious psychiatric condition.
Good Luck!
poster:vainamoinen
thread:597597
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20051211/msgs/598376.html