Substance Abuse and Addictive Behaviour

Possible Symptoms:

• unable to use alcohol without becoming drunk
• have lost a job, drivers license or have been hospitalized because of drug or alcohol use or gambling
• cannot resist the urge to drink, take drugs or gamble
• suffer physical symptoms if you do not take drugs, drink alcohol or gamble
• have been told that you are abusing alcohol, drugs, or have a gambling addiction

The medical and social effects of substance abuse do not have anything to do with whether a substance is legal (alcohol, cigarettes) or illegal (e.g. cocaine). Abuse refers to the use of a product in a manner that affects how someone can perform normal activities of daily living. Abuse of a substance suggests that while someone is under the influence of the substance they are unable to perform normal activities of daily living. Addiction usually implies that someone cannot live without the use of the substance or they will suffer some physical or mental discomfort.

Although a diabetic may be addicted to the use of insulin we would not usually suggest that this is a form of abuse, for the use of insulin allows the person to perform the activities of daily living normally. Without the insulin the diabetic cannot live normally. On the other hand there are many who we could suggest are abusing alcohol because they drink to excess and are not able to function normally while under the influence of the alcohol. But these people are not necessarily addicted for they can go many days to weeks without the use of the alcohol without any ill effects.

Since alcohol is a substance that is commonly abused and is associated with addiction we will use alcohol as our example in the following pages. There are many other substances that people can consider when answering our questions. Many people who abuse or become addicted to one substance or another do so because they seek the use of these to numb their pain. Particularly in cases where they have been traumatized or experienced loss. People who abuse drugs or alcohol are not bad or weak. We should always try to look for the underlying reason for substance abuse.

Addictive Behaviour

You may be addicted if you note any of the following when you do not take alcohol or drugs:

Psychological symptoms:

• Sleeping problems
• Trouble concentrating
• Increased anxiety
• Decreased appetite

Physical symptoms:

• Poor energy/fatigue
• Stomach pains
• Nausea
• Weight loss

Alcohol / Drug Dependence

You may be suffering alcohol/drug dependence if you experience the following:

• Sleeping problems
• Trouble concentrating
• Low mood
• Increased anxiety/stress
• Falls
• Blackouts
• Poor energy or fatigue
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased weight
• Stomach complaints
• Problems with relationships, having frequent fights and arguments
• Problems with fulfilling work, school or home responsibilities.
• Problems with the police or you have been arrested because of alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawal from relationships or responsibilities

Alcohol Abuse

Are you at risk? Ask yourself...

Men: Do you drink more than 3 drinks per day or 21 drinks per week?
Women: Do you drink more than 2 drinks per day or 14 drinks per week?

(1 Drink = 1 beer, 1 oz of liquor, or 4 oz of wine)

Alcohol Abuse - Questions

Also, ask yourself if you've ever done any of the following:

1) Not been able to stop, decrease or control your drinking

2) Not been able to resist the urge to drink

3) Had physical problems when you stop drinking ( i.e. Sweats, shakes, fast heartbeat, headaches, poor sleep, seizures, restlessness)

4) Kept drinking even though you knew it was causing a problem

5) Been told by anyone you have a drinking problem

If you answered yes to any of the above, you have a drinking problem.