How do you know if you have an addiction
problem?
If one or more of the following conditions seems fairly
accurate to your situation or someone you care for, you
or they may be an addict. Note 'substance' can either
mean drug or the behaviour.
• Feeling that you have to use the substance regularly –
daily or even several times a day.
• Making certain that you maintain a supply of the
substance.
• Continuing to use the substance even though you
know it’s causing problems in your life or causing you
physical or psychological harm.
• Spending money on the substance, even though you
can’t afford it.
• Having intense urges for the substance that block out
any other thoughts.
• Not meeting obligations at school, family or
work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or
recreational activities because of substance use.
• Over time, needing more of the substance to get the
same effect.
• Taking larger amounts of the substance over a longer
period of time than you intended.
• Doing things to get the substance that you normally
wouldn’t do, such as stealing.
• Driving or engaging in other risky activities when
you’re under the influence of the substance.
• Spending a good deal of time getting the substance,
using it or recovering from its effects.
• Failing in your attempts to stop using the substance.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you
attempt to stop taking the substance.
As a general rule – if you said yes to 2 or 3 of the above
conditions, it may indicate a mild disorder. If you are
sitting at 4 or 5, it could be a moderate disorder and if
you have any more than 5, you most likely have a severe
disorder. There is good news! There are a variety of
treatments available for all these conditions. If a problem
is suspected, don’t try to deal with it alone. At the end
of the day, we hope this information gives you food for
thought.
Graham*, a recovering drug addict
and Bonitas member’s testimony
I went into rehab with an open mind with no
expectations (anything was better than where I was).
I’ve met some of the most amazing people through
this and allowed myself to grow, learn and connect in
a way I never thought possible.
Under the Houghton House umbrella I did the 30-day
Inpatient Programme, followed by 2 months at The
GAP, which is an extended inpatient care and then 4
months at York Halfway House.
The last 14 months have been the most difficult and
most rewarding challenge of my entire life. Discovering
parts of me that I never knew existed and digging into
holes that have never seen the light of day. Through
all of this, I have finally learned to appreciate where I
am in my life, learned how to be vulnerable, allowed
myself to connect to people and stayed open to any
suggestions that pass my way.
I know I still have a long way to go with my journey,
but for the first time in my life, I’m starting to like
myself and I love where my life is heading.
*Name has been changed to protect the member's privacy.
Bonitas covers the substance and alcohol
rehabilitation benefit under the mental
health benefit. There is an overall limit
per family per year, which is inclusive of
a sublimit for both in and out-of-hospital
consultations on all our options except
BonCap. For more information on this,
please contact us on 0860 002 108 or
email [email protected].