S T I L L W A T E R S

Counseling and Psychotherapy

Addictions

"Addiction" can be simply described as a compulsive or obsessive relationship to a substance or behavior. If you feel a "need" to use a substance or perform a behavior (also called "acting out") all the time or at specific times, you may have an addiction. This could be a chemical (like drugs, alcohol, or tobacco), another substance (like food or even water), or a behavior (like viewing pornography, gambling, acting out sexually, exercising, surfing the internet, shopping, restricting food intake, or visiting chat rooms).

If you are concerned about yourself, but don't know if there is a problem, ask yourself these questions:

Do I think a lot about using the substance or acting out the behavior?
Do I frequently indulge in the substance or act out?
Do I hide my use of the substance or my acting out from people I care about?
Do I lie to myself or others about my use of the substance or my acting out?
Do I suspect that the use of the substance or acting out is becoming a problem for me?
Are there specific times or circumstances that seem to trigger my use of the substance or my acting out?
Am I using or acting out more often than before?
Am I sacrificing people or things I value to use or act out?

If you said yes to any of these questions, you may have an addiction.

Below are resources pertaining to selected specific addiction types. Please take a few minutes to explore these materials. If you determine that addictions are an issue for you, we hope you will choose to move toward healthier living by seeking help. There is hope, and you can discover it in recovery.

Drug Addiction