The word “addict” probably scares more people away from getting help than any other aspect of addiction. Partly this is due to societal misconceptions about addiction. Addiction is a powerful disease that eventually takes control of your life. The ultimate consequence of addiction is death. When people hear the word addict they imagine a crazy-eyed, wild-haired person you would cross the street to avoid. However, MOST addicts are normal people who can often manage to hide the problem for a long period of time.
The typical addict is not a street person. The typical addict is the neighbor, friend, brother, uncle, grandparent who for some time has managed to maintain a facade of normalcy. They might hold down a good job, seem to raise their kids well, and generally run their lives like any other person. However, over time, the cracks begin to appear. Their work may suffer, but usually it’s the family that suffers first. They might have unpredictable moods. They might embarrass their family when they slur their speech or become hostile or aggressive. They might get pulled over for erratic driving and end up in jail for drugged driving. The more successful they are in maintaining some semblance of a normal life, the more denial there will be from family members.
So, are you or is someone you love an addict? These are some questions – if you answer yes, it is time to face the problem.
If access to a specific mood-altering drug has become the most important thing in your life, you are probably an addict.
If you hide your pill use or have started to see consequences (losing friends, complaint from family members) due to drug use, yet you can’t quit, you are probably an addict.
If you have to use subterfuge to get enough pills (doctor shopping, claiming you lost some pills, forging prescriptions), you are probably an addict.
If you are under the influence of mood-altering drugs every day, you are probably an addict.
If you regularly drink alcohol with powerful opiate prescription medications, even though this is highly risky, you are probably an addict.
If you notice you become irritable and hostile when you try to stop taking the prescription drugs, and quickly go back to them, you are probably an addict.
If you forget periods of time due to intoxication with prescription drugs, known as black outs, you are probably an addict.
If you obsess about where to get your next prescription so you can have enough supply of pills, you are probably an addict.
If you are an addict, there is no shame in this – your brain has been altered by the continued use of the drug. Cravings are powerful and rarely does anyone overcome them on his or her own. If you are an addict, seek professional help. Before you take one pill too many.