Symptoms of Addiction: Loss of Control
by Charles N. Roper, PhD
There is absolutely nothing magic about "Are you an alcoholic or addict?" questionnaires. There are hundreds of them. Some are more reliable than others, but the truth be known, they probably all "work." So the key is not in the questions; it's in the answers to the questions. Are they honest?
I believe that diagnosing addiction is usually simple. If an individual intends to control his or her drinking or using, and fails to do so, then he or she is probably addicted. The key relationship is the one between intention and failure. That relationship is at the heart of the concept of loss of control.
The following questionnaire is made up of statements indicative of loss of control as it occurs in the lives of addicts. The statements are taken directly from alcoholics and addicts who have entered treatment programs in Austin, Texas.
Consider each statement thoughtfully. How many can you honestly relate to?
- I have planned to drink or use a
certain amount of alcohol or drugs and ended up drinking or using more than I planned.
- I have continued to use alcohol or
drugs after I intended to stop.
- I have found myself using alcohol or
drugs in spite of wishing not to.
- I have felt guilty or remorseful
about my drinking or using or my behavior while drinking or using.
- I have felt frustration and/or
despair over my drinking or using.
- I have experienced negative
consequences associated with my drinking or using but have continued to drink or use
anyway.
- I have attempted to control problems
resulting from alcohol or drug use by quitting, but then I started drinking/using again.
- I have experienced a preference to
drink or use rather than do what is expected of me.
- I have drunk or used more than I
thought I should have.
- I have used alcohol or drugs in
spite of promises not to drink or use.
- I have apologized to someone about
my drinking or using or my behavior while using.
- I have neglected responsibilities in
order to drink or use.
- I have expressed regret about
drinking or using without taking steps to change it.
- I have stopped to drink or use when
I had planned on going straight home.
- My drinking or using has caused me
embarrassment, but I have continued to use.
- I have thought to myself that I
would be better off if I didn't drink or use, but I kept on drinking or using anyway.
- I have continued to drink or use
despite my reputation being affected in negative ways.
- There have been times when I felt
that my drinking or using was out of control.
- I have promised myself or someone
else that I would control my drinking or using and then broke my promise.
- I have kept secrets about the amount
of alcohol or drugs that I have used, or I have used alcohol or drugs in hiding.
- I have lied to someone about how much or how often I drink or use.
