Addiction
When you start wondering if you're addicted to drugs — alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, cigarettes — it's time to take action. That means getting the right kind of help.
According to the Center on Addiction, addiction is a disease of the body and brain. A person who is addicted to a particular substance experiences:
- Severe loss of control and continued use of the substance despite serious consequences.
- Preoccupation with using the substance that often takes over all other aspects of life.
- Failed attempts to quit.
- Tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.
If you're addicted, you've already tried to control your behavior by yourself and realized that you cannot. It takes a huge amount of courage to actually go and get the help you need.
What You Can Do
Whenever possible, talk to your parents. You'll be surprised by their gratitude and pride at your willingness to face your problem and get help, and they will do anything to help you.
Sometimes parents may be too overwhelmed to be able to listen to you without making things worse. If this is the case in your family, there are other options to help you overcome your addiction.
First of all, you can talk with a school counselor or your primary care physician. Doctors and physician assistants have information and access to medicines that can help with the detox process and check you for other illnesses.
It's very important to ask your doctor if what you are saying will be confidential. If your doctor cannot assure you of that, get a referral to someone else.
You could also join a 12-step group. These groups have been proven to be the most successful resource when dealing with an addiction. Check out the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for information and direction.
No matter what your addiction, know that you are not alone. Many people just like you have suffered from addictions, and the best way to deal with them is to get help. Confide in someone you trust and ask for help. You will find that having a supportive family member, friend or mentor makes all the difference.
Last Reviewed: October 2018