When are you addicted?

Many people wonder how to recognize addiction. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) does not refer to addiction, but to substance abuse disorders. To determine whether such a disorder exists, the DSM 11 uses criteria:

1. You use more often and use in larger quantities than you intended.
2. You have made several unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop.
3. Obtaining or using the drug and restoring use takes a lot of time.
4. You experience a strong desire to use.
5. By use you fall short at work, school or at home.
6. You keep using it even though it causes problems on a social or relational level.
7. Through use you have given up or greatly reduced hobbies, social activities or work.
8. You use constantly, even when it puts you in danger.
9. You use constantly even though you know that it causes or worsens physical or psychological problems.
10. You need larger amounts to still feel the effect or tolerance.
11. You suffer from withdrawal symptoms, which become less severe by using more of the material.

On the basis of the DSM, specialists determine how serious an addiction is. Where two or three symptoms indicate a mild disorder, four or five indicate a moderate disorder, and six or more symptoms indicate a serious disorder.

How do I recognize addiction in someone else?

It is often difficult to tell if someone is addicted. The disease creeps in slowly and addicts usually try hard to hide what is going on. Yet there are a number of things that you can recognize if someone is addicted. For example, family and friends may notice changes in the behavior of someone who is addicted. If you are unsure whether someone is addicted, try to answer the following questions:

• Is someone suddenly behaving differently than usual?
• Is someone withdrawn, irritable, anxious and / or indifferent?
• Have eating habits changed?
• Does someone care little or no more about personal care?
• Has anyone lost interest in pleasurable activities?
• Is someone running into financial problems?
• Does someone get in trouble with the law?

If you have answered these questions and you are concerned that a friend or family member is addicted, please complete the contact form below or call 088 – 770 70 77. We can advise you on the best way to prevent a possible addiction. have it treated.