Addiction Tests
It can be difficult to recognize addiction in yourself or a loved one. If you are beginning to question the existence of an addiction, chances are good it is there and has been for a while. If you suspect a loved one has an addiction, they have probably kept it well concealed for a long time and the signs are just now becoming evident to you. If you are the addict, you may have been in denial for a long time. Your life circumstances or the influence of those around you may have opened your eyes to the possibility that you do have an addiction.
The following lists can help you determine with certainty whether an addiction is present. Review them and check all criteria applicable to your situation. If you check more than three symptoms, you should seek professional help as soon as possible. The addiction will only worsen until you overcome it, which is a thousand times more difficult to accomplish alone. Getting help for an addiction is not a sign of weakness, but a show of strength. Our friendly and caring counselors are standing by, ready to listen. Regain control, starting now.
Alcohol Addiction
¨ Loss of job or education due to drinking.
¨ Drinks to build self-confidence.
¨ Drinks alone, outside of social settings.
¨ Reputation affected by drinking.
¨ Drinking affects others negatively.
¨ Feels guilty about drinking.
¨ Craves alcohol at a certain time of day.
¨ Legal problems result from drinking.
¨ Attempts to quit drinking are unsuccessful.
¨ Thinks about drinking often.
¨ Drinking has caused memory loss or blackouts.
¨ Has had thoughts like, “I may have a problem with alcohol.”
Sex Addiction
¨ Feelings of shame because of sexual thoughts or behavior.
¨ Sex creates feelings of dissatisfaction or discontent.
¨ Feels powerful during sex.
¨ Sex is used as a tool to fix relationship problems.
¨ Views sex as the most important thing in life.
¨ Engages in sexual acts that violate others.
¨ Generally views others as sex objects.
¨ Masturbates several times daily.
¨ Sexual impulses are uncontrollable.
¨ Others voice concern over the person’s sexual preoccupation.
¨ Attempts to control sexual behavior have been unsuccessful.
¨ Sex-related problems arise in work, school, or personal life.
Food Addiction
¨ Eats to avoid or subdue feelings.
¨ Self-esteem is directly related to food/cooking.
¨ Keeps a supply of food handy “just in case.”
¨ Is significantly overweight.
¨ Feels ashamed about the amount of food consumption.
¨ Meals are planned/anticipated sooner than necessary.
¨ Conversation centers around food.
¨ Hides or sneaks food.
¨ Blames others for unhealthy eating habits.
¨ Orders or cooks more food than necessary.
¨ Eating habits cause hunger to arise almost hourly.
¨ Friends or relatives have expressed concern.
¨ Attempts to eat less have been unsuccessful.
Work Addiction
¨ Emotionally or physically abandons others for work.
¨ Loses sleep over work.
¨ Regularly works through lunch.
¨ Experiences difficulty relaxing.
¨ Works to avoid conflict or intimacy.
¨ Works to avoid undesirable feelings.
¨ Becomes resentful when accomplishments go unrecognized.
¨ Forgets important tasks/commitments unrelated to work.
¨ Conversations and thoughts center around work.
¨ Feels that enough is never enough
¨ Steadily seeks more or different work.
¨ Overly critical and obsessed with perfection in everyone’s work.
¨ Feels an incontrollable drive to constantly work.
