For many people, one of the hardest aspects of addiction is coming to terms with and also accepting the fact that you are “an addict.” Whilst this may be difficult to comprehend, it’s important to remember that there is no shame in this realization, and it should be the first positive step in seeking help to tackle and overcome any addiction.

If you have an addiction, you need to remember that you’re not alone. Many people from all walks of life all over the world suffer from substance abuse. You’re not the only one, and help is available if you’re prepared and determined to find a way out and live a happier life – a life that is free from drugs or alcohol.

So how do ibogaine clinics actually classify drug or alcohol abuse? How do we know when drinking or taking drugs is becoming so much of a problem for a person that it can be classified as an addiction? We’ll take a closer look at this issue in relation to both alcohol and drug abuse.

One way to answer this question is to ask yourself how often you use a particular substance. For example, plenty of people drink alcohol on a social level from time to time or on a more frequent basis. However, when someone is actually dependent and addicted, they will:

• Gain a strong need or compulsion to drink alcohol more often than not
• Drink early in the morning after waking up to reduce any withdrawal symptoms they may be feeling
• Arrange the rest of their life around their drinking habits and addictions
• Find it incredibly difficult to reduce the amount they drink and how frequently they resort to alcohol

The same principles above can be applied to drug abuse, as well. With a dependency of this nature, there can be both physical and psychological symptoms, which are likely to be easier to notice than those listed above. 

When withdrawal symptoms are extreme, those dependent on alcohol or drugs will continue to indulge in trying and avoiding or reducing the feeling of these symptoms, which results in a vicious and damaging cycle.

Another sign of addiction relates to how long a person has been using a particular substance and how often they resort to taking it. If you, or someone you know, has been taking drugs for a number of weeks, months or even years and has a strong dependency for that particular substance, as mentioned above, this means that they would be categorized as an addict – relying on the use of that substance.

Control is also a determining factor in this example because if you are taking a crack, cocaine, cannabis, heroin, or any other drug, and it’s apparent that you can’t stop yourself from engaging in taking substances, this would suggest that you are displaying signs of an addiction. Whilst some people will try drugs and not try them again until months later; an addict will continue to use them on a regular basis and over a long period of time.

You might already be aware of the negative effects of drug and alcohol abuse, both in relation to the body and the mind, but whilst taking this knowledge on board, you continue to take the substance. Another sign of addiction is the constant persistence to address and resolve what you deem as a problem with little improvement or unsuccessful results. In this instance, it may be difficult to reduce the amount you are taking or stop altogether, which leads to further substance abuse.

Remember that there is a way out, and you’re not alone. People like us can help you to overcome your addiction. We understand that there is no single method for beating addiction, and we work with every individual case to deal with the symptoms as well as the substance. With a staff that really cares and small intimate focus groups, our professional programs are designed around you.

Abstinence is the first step, and with this comes a completely new lifestyle change. We know that there will be struggles on the way, but we can help you during every step of the process to turn your life around and leave alcohol and drugs behind you.