When you start wondering if you're addicted to drugs — alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, cigarettes — it's time to take action. That means getting the right kind of help.
According to the Center on Addiction, addiction is a disease of the body and brain. A person who is addicted to a particular substance experiences:
- Severe loss of control and continued use of the substance despite serious consequences.
- Preoccupation with using the substance that often takes over all other aspects of life.
- Failed attempts to quit.
- Tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.
If you're addicted, you've already tried to control your behavior by yourself and realized that you cannot. It takes a huge amount of courage to actually go and get the help you need.