What is Addiction?
Addiction is the dependence on a drug or substance. Addiction is a process, which is influenced
by many factors, including environment, the culture in which someone lives, biology, and relationship with family and friends.
Physical dependence occurs when a person's body becomes accustomed to alcohol or to a particular drug and can only function normally when the alcohol or drug is present. There is a loss
of control of when and how much the drug is used. If the
alcohol or drug is not present the person will experience withdrawal.
Who is Addicted?
Anyone can become addicted to a substance with prolonged, repeated use. One
study indicated children
aged 12-13 become addicted to cigarettes after only a few days of smoking.
Reality Check - Am I Addicted?
How do I know if I have a problem with alcohol or drugs? Answer each of the
following questions:
I'm not taking proper care of myself: Agree? Disagree?
- Changes in personal hygiene
- Dressing different
- Looking different
- Feeling ill or run down
- Getting sick more often
My eating and/or sleeping habits have changed: Agree? Disagree?
- I'm eating more/less than I used to
- I've lost/gained weight
- I'm sleeping more/less than I used to
I have a different group of friends than I used to: Agree? Disagree?
- I'm not bringing them home anymore
- I'm not letting my parents know who my friends are, or who I am out with
- My new friends are known as 'drinkers' or 'users'
My behaviour has changed: Agree? Disagree?
- I'm acting differently than I used to
- I'm locking myself in my room, not letting parents come in
- I'm lying about where I'm going and who I'm with
- I'm dropping activities I used to enjoy
- I don't care about things much any more
If you agree with any of these statements, then you may have an addiction problem.
These signs alone may not indicate an addiction. It is important to look
at how the use is affecting various areas of your life - ie. relationships, health, etc.
Talk to someone you trust and get help. A doctor can help you with treatment
options.
Other signs that you might have an addiction problem may be changes in the
way you feel and think about things and situations that may result in family
problems, increased arguing/fighting with family members, and getting into trouble
with the police.
Getting Information
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AADAC 4 KIDS |
AADAC'S Teen website |
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