Do I Need Recovery?
There are two main forms of addiction: substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. Addiction is treatable and it's crucial to seek help as soon as possible.
EVERYONE has some type of addiction. It could be eating too much chocolate, watching too many soap operas, endlessly scrolling through social media, drug or alcohol abuse, gambling, etc. Everyone does something more than they should. However, some addictions are more harmful than others. Not all addictions are as controlling and harmful as others.
Determining the impact your addiction has on your life is the first step to deciding if you need recovery...or maybe even harm reduction. Sometimes the signs are clear and easy to see. Sometimes, the signs are clearer to the people around you because they are able to see what you can't see...or refuse to acknowledge.
Beginning with an assessment of your addictive behavior and the impact it has had on your life (and those around you) is the first place to begin. Your assessment needs to include the observations of those close to you. (Do not include the opinions of people who have something to gain from your continued behavior...for example, your dealer and anyone who shares in your unhealthy behavior)
A medical diagnoses of drug addiction (substance use disorder) requires a thorough medical evaluation and often includes an assessment by a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. Blood, urine or other lab tests are used to assess drug use, but they're not a diagnostic test for addiction. However, these tests may be used for monitoring treatment and recovery.