How to Recognize Addiction in Yourself

Dealing with an addiction means you stop wasting energy and time on self-deception. Take a good, hard look at yourself and be perfectly honest. Are any of these statements true for you?

• Your substance-seeking behavior is increasing (you are going to places where you can score), or your compulsion to do the problematic behavior (such as gambling) is increasing.

• Your main reason for living is using.

• You lose touch with important aspects of your life, such as friends, work, school, and family responsibilities, because of substance use or addictive behavior.