Rarely does one immediately identify themselves as having an addiction. The causes and progression of addiction are complex and unfold over time. Resistance to the label of addiction is common. Listen to this support group as they discuss their thinking as they came to accept the label of 'addict'.

Discussion Guide:

When was the point in your life that you accepted that you were addicted to a substance?

What was your thinking process as you came to accept that you were an addict?

What were the consequences of your drug use? Did the negative consequences present a red flag that you were addicted?

Did you compromise your values over time? Did this change of values present a red flag that you were addicted?

Did you lose control of your behavior? Was this a red flag that you were addicted?

What did your loved ones telling you? Was that a red flag?

What was your substance abuse trying to tell you? It could have been trying to tell you something about your life, something that needs to change, or a trauma that hasn't healed.

Have you participated in psychotherapy to address the underlying issues of addiction?

Supplemental Reading:

Sam Dylan Finch, 5 Better Questions to Ask Than 'Am I an Alcoholic?', http://www.thefix.com/5-better-questions-ask-am-i-alcoholic