Substance abuse is insidious. It’s a disease that says you don’t have it. As a result, coming to grips with the fact you may be suffering from addiction can be very difficult.

There is still tremendous negative stigma around the disease. No one wants to admit they are addicted. Most fear such an admission will be met with scorn and ridicule, while others fear embarrassment and shame.

By Shayne Sundholm, CEO

Constant denial

Crucial point – If you have the disease, it’s going to get worse because it’s progressive. Many people deny their addiction right up to the point when they die from it. This is very sad and unnecessary.

There is no reason to be ashamed. It is perfectly fine to have the disease of addiction. What is not fine is to know you have the disease but do nothing about it.

Honesty and willingness are keys to overcoming addiction. There are several questions you can ask yourself that let you know if you are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. However, these require honest answers. If you can’t be honest with yourself, there is little chance you will recover.

Acknowledge the problem

Addiction seems to be the only disease where you must diagnose yourself. You must be able to admit you have a problem. It may be obvious to those who know you, but if you continue to deny you have the disease, nothing can be done to help. 

There are many signs and symptoms. For example:

• Do you miss work due to using drugs or alcohol?
• Do you have difficulty stopping the usage?
• Do you have difficulty controlling the amount of the substance or substances you are using?
• Do you feel restless, irritable and discontented when you are not able to consume the substance?
• Do you get physically sick when you don’t have the substance for a day or more (i.e. sweating, shaking, stomach problems, body aches?)
• Are you experiencing relationship difficulties as a result of your substance use?
• Are you experiencing financial difficulties as a result of your substance use?

If you are experiencing any of these core symptoms, there is a very high chance that you suffer from the disease of addiction.

Huge impact on others

Addiction is very baffling and destructive. Suffering addicts often fear the reaction of the very people they are destroying with their addiction. They go through immeasurable physical and psychological torment, and those closest to them are impacted in countless negative ways.

Bottom line – Untreated drug and alcohol addiction is one of the most destructive diseases on the planet. While not hard to diagnose, this disease can be extremely difficult for the suffering individual to admit they have.

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