Are You Addicted?
The following questions come from the fabulous book, ‘Addiction-Free Naturally’ by. Master Herbalist and Living Foods Educator: Brigitte Mars

1) Do You feel that you don’t want to stop indulging in a particular substance-caffeine, sugar, tobacco, drugs, alcohol-right now, although you could at any time?

2) Have you tried to stop for a week but been unable to do so?

3) Do you resent the advice of others who express concern about your substance use?

4) Have you ever tried to control your addiction by switching to an alternative addictive substance? For instance, have you taken up smoking so that you could give up drinking?

5) Do you envy people who can indulge without getting into trouble?

6) Has your substance use created problems with friends and family?

7) Do you try to avoid family or friends when you’re using your substance?

Have you lost relationships because of substance abuse?

9) Are your friendships determined by whether others indulge in the same substance as you?

10) Do you indulge in your substance alone?

11) Have you ever neglected your family or work for more than two days in a row due to substance abuse?

12) When substances are limited or unavailable at social events, do you try to obtain some anyway?

13) Have you missed time from work during this past year due to substance abuse?

14) Has your substance of choice stopped being fun to use?

15) When you are low on your substance, do you feel anxious or worried about how to get more?

16) Do you plan your life around your substance use?

17) Do you ever consume more of your particular substance than you intend to?

18) Are you consuming more than you used to in order to feel the same effects?

19) Do you consume as much as you ca and feel reluctant to discard ay leftovers?

20) Are you experiencing financial difficulty due to substance use?

21) Do you use your substance when you are disappointed, depressed, or going through a difficult time?

22) Does your substance use affect your sleep?

23) Has your sexual ability or desire suffered from your substance abuse?

24) Are your concerned that if you stop using, you will lack energy, motivation, confidence, or the ability to relax?

25) Do you use your substance repeatedly to sleep or stay awake?

26) Do you ever lie to others about how much or how often you consume your particular substance?

27) Have you ever stolen money or goods to support your habit?

28) Have you lost a job because of substance use?

29) Do you ever regret the way you behaved while you were on a substance-use high?

30) Do you experience irritability, headaches, or tremors when you have not consumed your particular substance for a while?

31) Have you ever passed out from substance use?

32) Have you ever felt your life would be more productive if you were not indulging it that particular substance?

33) Have you become more irritable and difficult to get along with?

34) Is your pattern of use potentially dangerous? (This can be true even in cases where substance consumption is neither frequent nor excessive.)

35) Do you lack self-control in deciding whether or not to consume your particular substance?

36) Is your habit putting you into a state of poor health?

37) Is your substance abuse dangerous to others? (Via secondhand smoke, drunk driving, using family resources, et cetera?)

How many questions did you answer yes? Deep down inside, if you are being honest with yourself, you know if you have a problem with addiction. Take this opportunity to love yourself and do something about it now, while your heart and mind are present to the situation. Take radical personal responsibility and open your life to your potential.