My Friends and Family Think I Have a Problem…How do I know?

 

Substance use falls on a spectrum and is progressive. Often how you see yourself on this spectrum and where your friends and family see you are not the same. This is where I can help.  Having a comprehensive assessment can help you know what your next steps should be. 

Do you identify with any of the scenarios below?

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1. Experimental Use – New Experience

• Use a substance once or twice to experience the effects.

• Experience the effects intensely due to low tolerance.

• Typically don't have negative consequences as a part of use.

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  2.  Social Use – Adds to Life, Becomes Misuse

• Use substances on occasion and can readily control use.

• Major life areas are not affected.

• No emotional pain resulting from use.

• Tolerance begins to increase and a pattern of use develops i.e. every weekend or every day.

• Purpose for friends getting together starts to revolve around the use of substances.

• May experience some negative consequences such as hangovers, blackout, and/or missed appointments.

 

  3. Harmfully Involved – Becomes Life, Compulsive Use

• Use substances regularly and frequently.

• Use more of the substance over a longer period of time.

• Make attempts to control use of the substance but have difficulty doing so.

• Major life areas are affected as major substance use continues in spite of negative consequences.

• May experience withdrawal when attempt to cut back on use and tolerance continues to increase.

• Have collected paraphernalia such as pipes or needles. Have a stash hidden somewhere close by or have a well stocked wine rack or refrigerator.

• Have established rituals for obtaining substance and most of time and energy is spent on obtaining and using the substance.

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  4. Dependent – Takes over Life

• Use the substance regularly and feel loss of control.

• Most major life areas such as relationships, work, and friendships are negatively affected.

• Patterns and consequences are unknown and unpredictable.

• Experience extreme emotional pain, feelings of helplessness, and withdrawal when the substance is not used.

• Have pulled away from family and friends that object to use.

• Have an extremely hard time “maintaining a normal life”.

• Emotional and mental state has diminished to the point of thoughts of suicide.

• Feel like a failure due to not being able to quit voluntarily.

• May not have the strength to ask for help when it is needed most.