Do I Really Have an Addiction Problem? Lifescapes Counseling Offers Help

Apex, NC, January 07, 2011 --(PR.com)-- It’s that time of year. You’ve survived the parties, family gatherings, and other positive stressors of the Holidays and now you are staring at the reflection in the mirror. Perhaps you are annoyed with hopeful talk of resolutions, or still feeling ashamed of your over indulgence at the yearly office party.

If you’ve ever wondered if you are addicted to alcohol, drugs, or something else, the answer isn’t always clear. The best way to know is to have an evaluation done by a licensed professional with substance abuse expertise. As with most diagnoses, context is important, and the answers are not always black and white. The best evaluations take place over multiple appointments, so that the professional has the opportunity to really get to know you.

There are some general guidelines that can help us clarify whether we have an addiction problem. These guidelines are a summary of generally accepted beliefs among mental health/substance abuse professionals, and correlate with relevant research. However, they are not a substitute for a thorough evaluation.

1. If you are worried about your drinking (or drug use…), or if family members are concerned about it, then chances are your drinking is problematic.

2. If you have tried to stop drinking (or using drugs…) on your own and have not been able to, you are likely dealing with some level of dependence or addiction.

3. A classic sign of physical dependence is the need for an early morning drink or fix.

4.“Problem” drinking/drug use is considered to be use that has a negative impact on work or school performance, or is detrimental to relationships, finances, and other responsibilities.

5. The reasons why a person drinks or uses drugs may be more important than frequency or volume of use in determining whether one has a problem.

6. If you find that you feel increasingly depressed, unmotivated, apathetic, or emotionally flat since beginning to drink or use drugs, you may be dealing with some level of dependence.

7. Guilt, remorse, and declining self esteem are characteristic of prolonged dependence on alcohol or drugs.

8. Medical problems associated with long-term or heavy drinking include hepatitis, cirrhosis, kidney disease, and a host of other degenerative organ problems.

9. If you experience negative personality changes when inebriated, or if you have “black outs” when drinking, you may have a drinking problem that is impacting other people negatively.

10. If you have experienced real world negative consequences as a result of alcohol or drug use, and still cannot stop using these substances, then you are likely dealing with dependence/addiction.

Now what? Well, if you don’t want to stop using drugs or alcohol, that’s your choice. If however, you are thinking you need some assistance, here is some general direction:

If you experience DT’s (delireum tremens – delusional state accompanied by tremors) when you try to stop drinking, you need to safely detox from alcohol, and probably need inpatient treatment. In this case, your family doctor or even the hospital emergency room is a good first step. Some county programs, private hospitals, and rehab centers are able to provide medical detoxification as well. Local resources include Wake County Alcohol Treatment Center, Holly Hill Hospital, Wilmington Treatment Center, and Fellowship Hall (Greensboro).

If you have decided that you want to make a life change, and have had some success in changing your unhealthy behaviors, then there are many options: Several local facilities offer intensive outpatient treatment for substance abuse, which is less intense than inpatient treatment and consists of daily support/education/intervention for a specified period of time.

Many people with mild alcohol and substance abuse problems can make healthy changes through individual counseling. In Apex, Lifescapes Counseling Associates has several licensed therapists on staff who can evaluate and treat various addiction problems in a private and non-judgmental environment. They also accept most insurances and offer services at a range of prices. Distanced based counseling services are available through their online counseling division at www.realonlinetherapy.com.

Some people need social support to maintain a healthy lifestyle. AA/NA has an extensive presence in our area, with many meeting times, dates, and formats to choose from. AA meetings are free and open to the general public, so be aware that the participants may change from meeting to meeting. AA and NA are “12 Step” programs, founded in a non-denominational spirituality, and as peer-support models, are not generally led by professionals.

Another option growing in popularity is a private recovery group, such as “Living in Balance,” offered by Sandy Johnson, LPCA, LCAS-P at Lifescapes Counseling in Apex. These groups are facilitated by experienced professionals, and all participants are screened for suitability. Group sessions are “closed,” meaning that for a specified period of time, the participants make a commitment to the group, thus lending a sense of consistency and safety to the members. “Living in Balance” gives attention to all areas of life, so the focus is on increasing the positives in life, achieving balance, setting and reaching healthy goals.

If you want to make healthy changes in 2011, please contact Lifescapes Counseling for more information about their individual, family, and group counseling services – www.lifescapescounseling.com, 919.303.0273, located at Peakway Market Square in Apex.

No matter where you are in your personal journey, know that you are not alone. Help and support are available to you. There is always hope that you or a loved one can live a life free from the grips of alcohol or drug addiction.

-Amy Benton Moulds, MEd, NCC, LPC, DCC (North Carolina Licensed Professional Counselor)

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