Do you drink/use a substance to reduce stress?
Has drinking/use of a substance caused job or relationship difficulties?
Do you look forward to your first drink?
Have you been arrested for driving under the influence?
Have friends or family asked you to stop?
Do you have blackouts?
Is it hard to stop once you start?
Do you feel a need to stop using?
Substance abuse/addiction treatment covers a wide range of problems from alcoholism to drugs to gambling and sex addictions. People often seek out treatment because they are aware of some such problem and want help dealing with it. Sometimes treatment is mandated by the Court, as in the case of a DWI. Often the person with an addiction problem is unaware or in denial of the problem. Family members or close friends may be more aware of the problem and seek advice as to how to help the addicted person. Addiction problems become problems for the whole family, affecting each member individually and the family as a whole.
When sometimes normal activities such as social drinking begin to increase in frequency or begin to have unusual consequences, it can be assumed that there may be a problem. Personality or behavioral changes due to the use of a substance are also indicative of a problem. Behavioral changes may include increased secrecy, financial irresponsibility or schedule changes to accommodate the substance or activity. Substance/addiction problems are often cyclical in nature. They do not necessarily occur on an everyday basis. For instance, a person may not be an everyday drinker but may have trouble stopping once s/he starts.
Substance abuse/addiction problems are seen as an illness. Sometimes medication or in-patient hospitalization is involved in the treatment. Addiction therapists often work in conjunction with 12-step groups and family members.