FREE ASSESSMENT
Self-test your substance dependency: am I an alcoholic?
This is a tool for understanding the level of your substance dependency. Read the explanation below, answer the questions with honesty and an open mind, and you’ll discover the severity of the problem — and some suggested next steps for a healthy recovery.
A SIMPLE EXPLANATION OF ALCOHOLISM AND ADDICTION
Three certain characteristics
Loss of control
Once they start drinking or using, they appear to have lost the “off button”. An alcoholic or addict usually already knows they can’t control their consumption, so they often hide and disguise just how much they are tolerating and consuming. Ask yourself: can you control yourself once you’ve started? Can you stop at the appropriate time — or do you make excuses and justifications to continue, despite the conflict it causes at home, at work, with friends?
Loss of choice
The more subtle side of addiction is the inability to stop oneself from starting another binge, despite previous promises. The power of choice — “Shall I? Shan’t I?” — is gone. Ask yourself: can you fully commit and enjoy yourself, in company or alone, without mood- or mind-altering substances? Have you solemnly promised loved ones you wouldn’t do it again, only to break that promise without knowing why?
Personality shifts
A Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde change — the attitude becomes selfish and self-centred, and the lust for life seems lost or misdirected. The most profound part is the inability of the individual to see how they negatively change under the influence; this is often called “being in denial”. Ask yourself: do you prefer to drink or use alone? Do you plan ahead to make sure you have access? Can you accept complete responsibility for your life?
The solution to this malady usually requires a profound change in the individual, bringing them to a point of acceptance whereby recovery from this disease is a very real probability. This takes time — but it is ultimately the most rewarding gift anyone with an addictive illness can receive.
Ready to talk it through?
If these questions landed close to home, send us your answers or simply tell us what’s going on. A counsellor will respond personally and in confidence.
Prefer to talk to a person first?
Call +66 626 418 369 or message us on WhatsApp — completely confidential.