Am I am an addict?

[Kat]

How do I know if I am an addict?

There is a lot of information about addiction and recovery at NA’s official site, na.org.  In particular, if you are wondering if you are an addict, we suggest that you take the questionnaire found in Am I An Adddict? and read Welcome to NA. 

Our third Tradition states clearly:  "The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using."  This means that you do not have to be clean to join us, only want the help.  You will never be alone in NA, unless you choose to be.  We are glad you are here!

[CHorman]

Not even sure if whats going on with me is addiction or something deeper.  I have attempted suicide twice in the last 5 months..both times using narcotics as my mode attempting to commit suicide.  The first time, my psychiatrist said it was just a cry for help.  Didnt take enough to really do a whole lot of damage.  A trigger set me to do it again and this time with a different narcotic and more of them.  First time was tylenol with codein (4 followd by 2 antianxiety pills) second time was 12 hydrocodones with acetaminophen.  My mom passed away this last
November and it was a quick 3 month illness and then she passed away.  My friend of 29 years also passed away in Feb and tje same day I was burying my friend, my uncle died of cancer.  Shortly after that, my boyfriend left me.  I am divorced with 2 children, I have now lost both of my parents.  I am trying to figure out if this really is an addiction to narcotics.. Or am i just wanting to end my life that bad???   Any thoughts from anyone??  I am new Here.  My name isCourtney.    Thank you for any feed back. 

[Kat]

Sorry I have not responded in such a long time.  I hope that you have found some peace in your situation, but just in case, let me say that there is nothing going on in life that suicide will make better.  I encourage you to contact the national suicide hot-line anytime you are feeling suicidal.  That number is 1-800-273-8255, and it is open 24/7.  Talking to others in recovery is extremely helpful, but we are not mental health professionals.  Take it very seriously, because your life matters, and you are worth saving.

I know that when I was in active addiction, I spent all my time trying to stop feeling pain and being willing to do more and more reckless and dangerous things to achieve that.  Physical pain was how it started, but eventually it was the daily pain of living that was kicking my ass.  I want you to know that things can get better.  For me, the answer was in the steps, in recovery…and life did get better.  Best of luck.