You are the only one who can truly make that diagnosis. Alcoholics and addicts do not have a one-size-fits-all profile. These are diseases that can affect people from all walks of life. When I first meet with a potential alcoholic or addict it’s important to hear their story and work with them to determine whether they have lost the power to choose whether they will use or not. That’s usually a good first step.

Many alcoholics and addicted individuals share common risk factors:

• Low self-esteem (even in those with outward displays of confidence).
• Negative peer influence with similar addictions.
• Chaotic home lives, both with or without the presence of abuse.
• Significant personality changes while pursuing or engaging in the addiction.
• Mental disorders or genetic .predispositions (children of alcoholics or addicts).

Therapeutic intervention can help you discover and acknowledge your risk factors, engage in a treatment plan to manage your addiction, and then help you work through the challenges of sobriety to realize a full and addiction-free life.

I do not make my clients do anything. Therapy rarely works well when approached this way. I do encourage you to consider 12-step programs as part of your treatment because they have a track record of getting and keeping people sober if they continue to work the program offered.

Going to rehab is a considerable investment of your time, money, and energy. While some of my clients find rehab a helpful part of their treatment, rarely is it a requirement of getting well. An honest desire to recover from your addiction and a real effort to change are the main things you need no matter what you decide to do.