Pills Anonymous
20 Questions
Here are 20 questions designed to help you determine if you are a prescription drug addict*:
1. Has your doctor, spouse or anyone else expressed concern about your use of medications?
2. Have you ever decided to stop taking pills only to find yourself taking them again contrary to your earlier decision?
3. Have you ever felt remorse or concern about taking pills?) Has your efficiency or ambition decreased since taking pills?
4. Has your efficiency or ambition decreased since taking pills?
5. Have you established a supply for purse or pocket or to hide away in case of emergency?
6. Have you ever been treated by a physician or hospital for excessive use of pills (whether or in combination with other substances)?
7. Have you changed doctors or drug stores for the purpose of maintaining your supply?
8. Have you received the same pill from two or more physicians or druggists at approximately the same time?
9. Have you ever been turned down for a refill?
10. Have you taken the same mind- or mood-affecting medication for over a year only to find you still have the same symptoms?
11. Have you ever informed your physician as to which pill works best at which dosage and had him adjust the prescription to your recommendations?
12. Have you used a tranquilizer or a sleep medication for a period of months or years with no improvement in the problem?
13. Have you increased the dosage, strength or frequency of your medication over the past months or years?
14. Is your medication quite important to you; e.g., do you worry about refills long before running out?
15. Do you become annoyed or uncomfortable when others talk about your use of medications?
16. Have you or anyone else noticed a change of personality when you take your medication, or when you stop taking it?
17. Have you ever taken your medication before you had the associated symptom?
18. Have you ever been embarrassed by your behavior when under the influence of your prescription drug?
19. Do you ever sneak or hide your pills?
20. Do you find it impossible to stop or to go for a prolonged period without your pills?
If you have answered YES to three or more of the questions, then our experience would indicate you are one of us. Some see this as a curse -- we see it as a blessing. For through our program of recovery, we have learned more about living life on life’s terms than most non-addicts ever learn. We have learned to have serenity even in tragedy, to find happiness without artificial support, and to rebuild lives shattered by years of abuse. You, too, can have this if you are willing to take the steps we describe in the chapters to come. Welcome. Join us in the fellowship of recovery.
*Reprinted and slightly adapted from There’s More to Quitting Drinking than Quitting Drinking by Dr. Paul O., also the author of the chapter “Acceptance Was the Answer (formerly called Doctor, Alcoholic, Addict)” in the book Alcoholics Anonymous, and used with his permission.