Signs of Tina dependence

Substance use can be viewed as a continuum from non-use, use, abuse to dependence. The continuum is time dependent and dynamic; we move around on it at different places in our lives.

Some of us have never used Tina and don’t want to. Some of us have tried it and don’t like it. Some of us are able to use it only occasionally. Abuse is usually defined as the condition of having significant life impacts from our use that we wouldn’t otherwise experience. These impacts could be occupational, psychological, physical or social. Abuse with Tina can easily lead into dependence because of the highly addictive nature of the drug.

Dependency means that we have a hard time living or functioning without Tina and that either using or not using is causing significant distress. The difficulties we experience quitting can come and go. Dependence is a clinical term usually synonymous with addiction.* Many users and clinicians view the term dependence as having less stigma then addiction. Stigma can be a barrier for guys seeking help.

Some of us, especially in the 12-Step disease model of dependence, embrace the identity of ‘addict’ as a way to remind ourselves of the seriousness of our problem with Tina. Others feel this perspective disempowers ex-users from ever being recovered. Regardless of what we call it, how do we tell if we are?

TIP: For more information on the disease model of addiction as exemplified by Crystal Meth Anonymous, you may want to check out our backgrounder here.

Common indicators

• We develop a tolerance: the same amount produces diminished effects. To get high, we need to do more than we used to, to achieve the same effect. We may also change the way we use to intensify the high. We may move from ingesting to snorting, from smoking to slamming. We may combine other drugs to intensify the rush of the Tina. These are considered examples of tolerance.

• We experience withdrawal: physical and psychological symptoms that are commonly associated with coming down off Tina. These can include but are not limited to depression, being quick to anger, exhaustion, etc. For more on long-term symptoms click here. We may take other drugs to relieve or avoid the withdrawal symptoms from Tina. We may use more and more Tina to avoid the crash.

• We use more frequently. Once a month becomes once a week, etc.

• We take more Tina over a longer period of time than we intended.

• There is a persistent desire and/or unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control our use.

• Tina - getting it, doing it, or recovering from it, consumes a great deal, and often an increasing amount, of our time.

• We give up or curtail social, recreational or work-related activities because of our use.

• We use even though we know we have a problem and/or that Tina keeps bringing problems into our lives.

TIP: Want to learn more about how to reduce your use? Click here.

TIP: If you are beginning to come to an awareness of our dependence, you may want or need help. Check out the SUPPORT section for our 'Resource Guide' and 'Tools' pages.

TIP: For a greater understanding of the perspective of someone who cares about a friend or lover with problem Tina use, we would like to refer you to the ‘Understanding Tina Dependence’ page in our Lovers, Friends and Families section.

*The clinical guidelines most often used for establishing substance dependence in North America are defined in the ‘Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,’ (DSM), produced by the American Psychiatric Association. The relevant section is ‘Criteria for Substance Dependence.’ The DSM uses the word dependence exclusively, not the term addiction. We have adapted their criteria for this article. In the DSM, three or more criteria must be manifested in a 12-month period to constitute substance dependence.