WHAT IS NICOTINE ADDICTION?
Two characteristics of an addiction are compulsive use of a substance and continued use despite adverse consequences. The adverse consequences of smoking tend to be fatal. The following questions will help you determine whether or not your nicotine habit is compulsive.
1. Do you use nicotine because of shyness and to build up self-confidence?
2. Do you use nicotine to escape from boredom and worries while under pressure?
3. Have you ever burned a hole in your clothes, carpet, furniture or car?
4. Have you ever had to go to the store late at night or at another inconvenient time because you were out of nicotine?
5. Do you feel defensive or angry when people tell you that your tobacco use is bothering them?
6. Has a doctor or dentist suggested that you stop smoking or chewing tobacco?
7. Have you promised someone that you would stop your nicotine use, then broken your promise?
8. Have you felt physical or emotional discomfort when trying to do you use nicotine everyday?
9. Have you felt physical or emotional discomfort when trying to quit?
10. Have you successfully stopped using nicotine for a period of time only to start again?
11. Do you buy extra supplies of tobacco to make sure you won’t run out?
12. Do you find it difficult to imagine life without using nicotine?
13. Do you choose only activities and entertainments such that you can use nicotine during them?
14. Do you prefer, seek out or feel more comfortable in the company of nicotine users?
15. Do you inwardly despise or feel ashamed of yourself because of your nicotine use?
16. Do you ever find yourself lighting up or chewing tobacco without having consciously decided to?
17. Has your nicotine use caused trouble at home or in a relationship?
18. Do you smoke in the presence of children or nonsmokers despite the health risks to them?
19. Do you ever tell yourself that you can stop using nicotine whenever you want to?
20. Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you didn’t use nicotine?
21. Do you continue to use nicotine even though you are aware of the health hazards posed by tobacco use?
Adapted from Nicotine Anonymous
If you answered, "yes" to one or two of these questions, there is a chance that you are addicted or are becoming addicted to nicotine. If you answered, "yes" to three or more, you are probably already addicted to nicotine.
Celebrate Recovery offers a path to freedom from this addiction, which is based on our Higher Power, Jesus Christ, and a recovery program centered on Him and a group of believers who support each other in our desire to kick the habit- “one day at a time.”
