Am I Addicted to Drugs If I Still Go to Work?

You are getting to work, paying bills and doing what people expect of you. That can make it difficult to know whether your drug use is becoming a problem.

Perhaps you have started asking yourself whether things are really under control. You may feel that the word addiction cannot apply because you have not lost your job or experienced a major crisis.

You do not have to wait for that to happen before seeking help. A useful starting point is to look at your choices, your wellbeing and what using is costing you.

What matters beyond appearances?

Problematic drug use can involve using more than intended, struggling to cut back, strong cravings or continuing despite harm. Work is only one part of that picture.[1]

You might still arrive on time while spending evenings recovering, avoiding conversations about using or worrying about when you can use again. These possibilities are reasons to explore your situation, rather than proof of a particular diagnosis.

Ask yourself what staying functional actually involves. Are you managing comfortably, or putting more effort into keeping the consequences out of sight?

Signs worth discussing with a professional

Consider seeking advice if you notice:

* Repeatedly using more than you planned.

* Trying to reduce or stop, but finding it difficult.

* Spending substantial time getting drugs, using or recovering.

* Continuing despite problems with health, relationships or responsibilities.

* Strong urges that increasingly influence your decisions.[1]

These signs are not a self-diagnosis checklist. A qualified health professional can consider the substance, pattern of use, health concerns and other circumstances together.

Questions to bring into counselling

You do not need a polished explanation. You might begin with: “I am still working, but I am worried about the way I am using.”

From there, consider what you would like to understand. When does the urge show up? What do you hope using will change? Which parts of your week feel organised around it? What have you already tried?

There is no need to assume a single cause. Your reasons and your goals deserve individual attention.

What can support involve?

Alcohol and other drug treatment can include counselling, medical care, medicines, peer support or rehabilitation, depending on your needs. Counselling and medically managed withdrawal have different roles.[2]

Counselling can provide space to discuss choices, triggers and practical goals. You might want to understand your use, reduce harm or work towards stopping. A GP or specialist service can assess physical dependence and whether medical treatment is needed.

If you have stopped and started before, bring that history with you. It can help shape a more useful plan. After a break from some drugs, tolerance can fall, increasing overdose risk if you return to a previous amount.[3]

Make changes safely

Get medical advice before stopping if dependence may be present. Withdrawal from substances including benzodiazepines and GHB can be dangerous. Call 000 for a suspected overdose or severe symptoms such as seizures, loss of consciousness or severe confusion.[4]

Drug addiction counselling in Bankstown

Advance Minds offers drug and alcohol counselling in Bankstown and online across Australia. You can start by discussing your concerns without having everything worked out.

Explore drug and alcohol counselling or book an appointment.

General information only. Assessment and treatment should be tailored to your circumstances.

Sources

1. Healthdirect: Substance misuse.

2. NSW Health: About alcohol and other drug treatment.

3. Australian Government Department of Health: How to reduce or quit drugs.

4. Healthdirect: Addiction withdrawal.