Unmanageability is not a word that we hear often unless we are familiar with 12 Step programs and recovery but, it is one of the identifying characteristics of drug and alcohol addiction. Most of us  like to believe that we exert a certain amount of control in our lives. When we begin to struggle with managing our lives it can be confusing, overwhelming, and frustrating. One of the simplest ways to determine if alcohol and/or drug use is negatively affecting your life is if you are unable to manage important aspects of your life. If social, occupational, academic, or affective functioning are being negatively impacted by substance use then it’s time to consider that you might be struggling with an addiction. The chaos and disorder that is created by addiction can make even the simplest tasks of every day life difficult. If one starts to find that most of  one’s time is spent thinking about, acquiring, and using a mood altering substance than one has crossed over from recreational use to dependency.

If you are unsure if you are struggling with the Unmanageability of a drug and/or alcohol addiction ask yourself the following questions:

  1. Have you neglected important responsibilities in order to drink or use drugs?
  2. Have you continued to drink or use despite your job, finances, health and/or relationships being negatively affected?
  3. Have you begun to use increasingly larger amounts of a substance or use more frequently?
  4. Have you experienced negative physical symptoms when you stop drinking or using?

If you have answered Yes to any of these questions consider the possibility that your substance use has become unmanageable.

Recovery offers people tools that they can use to make their lives more manageable. Seeking professional help can you identify your triggers and learn healthy coping skills.  If you or someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction please feel free to inquire about our Early Recovery Group. If you need support to help you cope with the addiction of a loved one please contact our intake department. The intake department at Specialized Therapy Associates can be reached at (201) 488-6678.