The Signs of Addiction - 5 minute Addiction Evaluator

Over the years most psychologists, counselors, and addiction specialists have deemed addiction to be a disease. However, there is no pathological test that can be administered to diagnose addiction. Therefore, addiction can not and should not be categorized as a disease. So, if addiction is not a disease, what exactly is it? In my opinion, it should be classified as a behavior and moreover a choice! Now, most individuals who have experienced the painful ramifications of habitual behavior are not under any false pretence concerning the definition of addiction, although some are in denial of it. However, what about individuals who abuse substances and compulsions without experiencing the destruction of their livelihood, finances, or family life? Do these individuals have an addiction? Addiction is a behavior, and as with any type of defined behavior there exists varying degrees of severity. As an example, some individuals can drink alcohol in moderation without using it to hide their emotional pain or allowing it to destroy their family, finances, or health. So where is the cut-off point? When is it an addiction, and when is it not? To assist you with that distinction, I have compiled the following questionnaire.

Do you have an addiction? Evaluate your current behavior by answering the following yes or no questions. (If the answer to each sentence is yes give yourself 1 point)

O Do you lose time from work due to your habitual behavior?

O Is your behavior making your home life unhappy?

O Do you abuse substances because you are shy with other people?

O Is your behavior affecting your reputation?

O Have you ever felt remorse after abusing substances or compulsions?

O Have you had financial difficulties as a result of your behavior? O Does your behavior make you careless of your family's welfare?

O Do you turn to inferior environments when abusing substances?

O Has your ambition decreased because of your behavior?

O Do you crave substances at a definite time daily?

O Does your behavior cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?

O Has your efficiency decreased because of your behavior?

O Is your behavior jeopardizing your job or business?

O Do you abuse substances or compulsions to escape from worries or trouble?

O Have you ever had a loss of memory as a result of your behavior?

O Do you abuse substances or compulsions to build up your self-confidence?

O Do you ever feel bad about your behavior?

O Do you feel that your behavior is problematic?

O Do you hide some of your habitual behaviors from others?

O Do you feel controlled by your habitual behavior?

What was your over all score?

Jot down below the top 5 things that jumped out at you from completing the evaluator?

How will you change them?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Using your total point score reference the chart below to determine if you have an addiction and/or what stage it is in.

Addiction points

0 - Addiction freedom

5-10 - You may be approaching co-dependency

10-20 - Highly probable that you have an addiction

Addiction Freedom

Bravo! Your have a life filled with happiness and no habitual behavior!

Approaching co-dependency

Your behavior has the potential to reach a level of addiction, but you need a positive direction and bit of action to guide you toward a positive lifestyle.

Probable addiction

You are likely in the mists of addiction crisis, or could be headed for one soon! You may require an immediate, addiction freedom, action plan!

Best wishes,

The Adiction Freedom Coach

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