| Drug addiction, like nearly everything else, begins | | | | even think of quitting. |
| slowly and builds up over time. There is never a day | | | | If you gave it a shot and tried to stop using but then |
| or an event which marks the change from "In | | | | went on to use again, this says that the drug is |
| control" to "Addicted". And because it is a | | | | already in the driver's seat. The attempt(s) may not |
| psychological alteration as well as a physical one, | | | | have been really that whole-hearted. You may think, |
| users seldom see it coming until it is already taking | | | | "I was not really trying." Or maybe you started using |
| hold of their activities. | | | | again right after being drug-free for a week or two. |
| There are some signposts along the way, though. By | | | | Do not think that means that you are not becoming |
| looking for these flags that show addiction is starting | | | | addicted. The fact that you can stop for a week |
| to latch on to your life, you might be able to head it | | | | only shows you that there is a lot more addiction |
| off in time to save yourself a world of trouble and | | | | coming. One day, at this rate, you will be unable to |
| expense...or worse. | | | | resist drugs for a week if you do not handle the |
| Are you finding that... | | | | problem now. |
| 1. You wake up thinking about the drug. | | | | 4. Your behavior has changed. |
| This is one of the first things you might see as | | | | You will be able to see this one only if you can face |
| addiction progresses. The first thoughts in the | | | | the truth of your own justifications and excuses. But |
| morning are about drugs or drink. You might not be | | | | this one of addictive behavior is the one that your |
| wondering where to get them, or how much you | | | | friends will see first. Look closely to see if you are: |
| have left, although it might be that. More often it will | | | | - More easily angered |
| be thoughts of: | | | | - Avoiding people and places which you regularly |
| - "Wow, how much did I drink last night? | | | | enjoyed before drugs |
| - "How did I get home from the party?" | | | | - Are missing work or no longer putting in that extra |
| - "I really need to avoid that drug!" | | | | effort |
| - "I just lost another friend." | | | | - Often getting the feeling people are accusing you |
| 2. Friends believe you have a problem and try to | | | | of things |
| "help" you. | | | | If you see these signs in your life, ignore them at |
| Another bad sign is when your friends suggest to | | | | your own peril. By letting these indications of trouble |
| you that you have a problem. They are being nice | | | | just slide past and not taking note, you may very be |
| and helpful, usually. But the fact that they are bringing | | | | setting yourself up for a world of regret later on. |
| it up to you is not a good thing; it says that you are | | | | If, however, you see some of these in your life and |
| not taking care of your own business. It indicates | | | | take the appropriate actions to avoid becoming truly |
| you are slipping and they can see it, but you cannot, | | | | addicted, you will always know that you averted |
| a classic sign of drug addiction. | | | | what could have become a potentially deadly |
| 3. You have tried to quit but failed, or you would not | | | | situation. |