WAIT, DO I HAVE A PROBLEM?

The five Cs: signs you should seek help

Craving

Do you fixate on experiencing the effects of a substance or behaviour? Does your behaviour change if you can’t?

Compulsion

Are you obsessively thinking about a substance or behaviour, making it hard to do or think about anything else?

Loss of Control

Addiction lowers the bar in terms of holding yourself accountable. Are you setting rules or limits for your behaviour, only to fall short consistently?

Continued Use, Despite Consequences

Addiction often causes you to struggle at work and in your relationships. Are you making excuses?

Chronic Negative Behaviour

Are you leaving work early to meet up with a dealer, or skipping your kid’s football game with a hangover?

If you’re experiencing one or two of these, it’s likely the other Cs will follow. “Recruit other people to help,” says Dr SanchezSamper. Shame and guilt won’t help you, but honesty and support will.