How Do I Know If I Have An Addiction?

In individual therapy in Salt Lake City, addiction is something we work on a lot here at Peterson Family Therapy. One of the first questions people ask is: how do I know if I have an addiction? Here are a few questions to ask yourself.

First: am I engaging in a substance or behavior, whether that’s work, online gambling, sex, or a substance, and I want to stop or cut back, but I can’t? Maybe I’ve told myself I’ll check the scores or place one bet and end up losing track of time and money on a betting app. Maybe I’ve said I’ll leave the office by six and I’m still answering emails at midnight. I’m trying, but I can’t.

Second: are negative consequences piling up in my life, and I keep doing it anyway? Maybe I’m missing time with my family because I’m working late again, or I’ve lost money gambling online that I told myself I wouldn’t touch. The reasons I should stop keep growing. I know it’s costing me financially or costing me time with the people I love, but I still can’t stop.

Third: are my relationships being hurt? Are people pulling away from me because I’m never fully present, always checking my phone or thinking about work? Am I snapping at my spouse or kids because I’m distracted or irritable when I’m not gambling or working? Am I choosing it over time with people who matter to me?

Those three questions are worth sitting with. And whether it’s addiction or something else, we’d love to help at Peterson Family Therapy.