What is an Addict
Social Users, Abusers and Addicts – What’s the Difference?
Social Users
- do not experience problems of any kind associated with use
- no surprises or unpredictability
- no loss of control
- no thoughts of or need for limit setting
- no one ever complains or worries about how much they drink/use
Abusers
- use alcohol or drugs to change the way they feel about themselves or some aspect of their life
- have had some problems associated with their use but not repeated
- limit setting that is adhered to
- promises that are made and kept
- complaints and worries are heard and dealt with
Addicts
- negative consequences are recycled
- limit setting and promises to self and others are broken
- complaints and worries are ignored, denied
- reliable symptoms become more evident including:
- continued use despite negative consequences
- loss of control, as in more use than planned
- unpredictability, as in use despite plan not to
- compulsivity/preoccupation in thinking
- denial
- increased tolerance
- remorse and guilt
- memory loss, mental confusion, irrational thinking
- withdrawal discomfort
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