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.
So, are you an addict? If access to a specific mood-altering drug has become the most important thing in your life, you probably are. 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 likely an addict.