Have you ever been truly honest with yourself? The kind of honesty that exists at 2 o'clock in the morning, when the lights are out, and no one else is there. I doubt if anyone who is searching for answers doesn't already know the truth, and the truth is that for some time now you have lost the ability to control your alcohol and or drug use. You know what the truth is, and the truth is you need help.

The last time you drank or used, did you use more than you originally said you would, or leave for home later than you promised yourself or someone else? Have you ever lost a job, promotion, or days off work because of your usage? Do you show up on Monday feeling like garbage or start thinking about Friday night when you get to work Friday morning?

How about your personal relationships with friends, co-workers, spouse, family members and children? The list could go on and on. When was the last time you told yourself you were going to go "on the wagon" only to find yourself back in the same old situation shortly thereafter? Even when you are on the wagon and it does last for a week or two, or maybe even a month or two, the whole time you're sitting on your hands, irritable, and in the back of your mind you are planning your next high. How often does one more turn into five, and five to ten?

Saying I need help and seeking help determines how serious a person is about change. I can say, all day long, that I'm tired of being overweight, but how tired am I if I'm not willing to seek change?

The problem with most of us is that when we do say we need help, that's the last we think on it until we're coming off a bad drunk or high. It is in that very time though that we need to put action to our confession. When we say we need help we need to follow that up with professional, spiritual, or personal assistance from someone who can offer a glimmer of hope.

Alcohol/drug addiction is one of the only diseases known to man that tells you that you don't have it. People with heart conditions, diabetics, or other ailments don't deny that they have the condition. As a matter of fact, the sooner they admit it, the sooner they can find a physician and seek treatment. On the other hand, people who suffer from alcoholism/drug addiction deny their condition, they don't seek help, and most end up dying from the disease.

About the Author

Robert Pardon is founder of becomingwellnow.com, a website offering recovery information and solutions for those suffering from alcohol and drug addiction.