Am I an Addict?
Everyone likes to have fun. Sometimes this fun includes alcohol. Everybody drinks – right? Other times, one might smoke a little grass or even do some recreational drugs, but a lot of people do that – right? Well actually, the number of drinking age Americans that don’t drink alcohol is between 30 and 40 % depending on how the question is asked. Marijuana use in the US is about 15% of adults but there is speculation that may increase as more states pass legalized marijuana laws. It’s hard to imagine having more intoxicants available being a positive thing for society, but I digress.
Every now and then, a person may suggest that the use has gotten out of control. Someone close may be noticing a pattern that concerns them, and out of love brings the subject to light. If the initial response is anger or striking out at this person, then a huge warning flag should go up. Our ego feels shame, and wishes to protect what it considers as appropriate “medicine” to soothe pain. There are a few other questions that may help clarify if the tipping point between casual use and addictive use has been crossed. Let’s take a little test.
Yes or No:
Do you ever hide or lie about the use of your drug of choice (DOC) from others?
Do you get agitated if someone suggests you are doing too much?
Does it seem like you are able to use more of your DOC than before?
Have you made plans to cut back or stop the DOC?
Have there been ANY negative effects (emotional, social, or physical) from your use?
Have you ever felt uncomfortable when not using and wished you could use to calm the discomfort?
Have you changed your social, work, or family interactions in ANY way to use?
Have you restarted using after being determined to stop?
Do you ever feel guilt or shame regarding your use?
Have you ever taken a quiz to see if you are addicted?
If you have two or more “Yes” answers, you should be concerned enough to discuss the matter with a loved one, and then hopefully a person who has knowledge about stopping compulsive behaviors. See your physician, a pastor, or even stop into a meeting where sobriety is being sought. You will NOT be condemned, and there IS help.
God has a better plan for our lives than we can possibly imagine, but our ego-driven false self has other plans. Guess which one leads to a happy, joyous, and free life?
“ For I have plans for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
If you have more questions contact Him & Them, or some other source you feel can be trusted. But contact someone! Going it alone rarely works, so get help. God is calling you into the body of Christ, and He promises to heal the pain you are experiencing.
Peace.
Don
