How do I know if my drinking or drug use is becoming an addiction or a problem? I can stop any time I want...

I spent years struggling with that question. Eventually the consequences caught up with me. By the time I realized I had lost control, it became much harder to get out of it. I started to see signs of a problem when I started seeing a negative impact on various areas of my life... school, work, family, friends, physical appearance, self esteem, etc.

Trying not drinking or using for a week, cold turkey. The success of that should indicate whether a person can really "stop anytime they want."

If you feel as though you can stop any time that you want, then it's quite possible that it isn't a problem. However, it's always important to be aware of that by even taking a day or two without the substance. I know that when I start thinking about something excessively when I'm not on it, it may be time to check in with myself.

If your drinking or drug use is becoming an addiction then you will not be able to stop. You can not quit.

When you start doing it alone...When you have some at home and don't stop until you have finished it all up.

I think you answered your own question. Stop and see if you can abstain for a few weeks without any cravings or withdrawals. Also, why are you using drugs or alcohol ? If you are using them to block out feelings you do not want to feel then you are using the drugs or alcohol like medication. I wonder if it is better to learn how to deal with those feelings rather than trying to block them out ?

I found that when I was drinking far too much, close friends and family would mention it to me. I'd drink to celebrate/commiserate/under stress basically any 'excuse' I could to have a drink. But I didn't have a problem. It finally dawned on me when I conceded I was depressed and drinking was my coping method. I knew all along that my drinking was a problem, I just didn't want to admit it. If you're like me, then you probably need some help.

Even though you feel like you can stop at any time you like, it is definitely best to get an experts opinion. I always felt like I could stop drinking/smoking, but when I was admitted to the hospital, I was notified I was addicted to alcohol/cigarettes/marijuana. That was a huge eye-opener.

many, many users of alcohol and drugs say they can stop any time they want. for some it is true. i have learned through my experience with a child of mine who has issues with drugs that there are some pretty important things i did not know. marijuana has a significant impact on the brain of persons younger than 25, so should in no case be used by persons in that age group. for those over 25, it *can* be used judiciously. drinking and drug use are definitely becoming a problem if they cause you to lose anything that matters to you, such as a relationship, or a job, or if you get into legal trouble. actually, if you are using illegal drugs, the fact of its illegality is in itself a problem. some people can use recreationally while maintaining a job, a relationship, grades, etc. but many, many cannot.

you can figure out that your drug or drinking has become an addiction when you find that you can no longer have the will power to stop yourself from the use of these substances if you can go a week without missing these substances i think that you will be okay by taking week long breaks and if you find yourself having a problem during one of these weeks then you can refer to help and guidance.