Instructions
Ask yourself the questions below and answer “yes” or “no”.
Tally your “yes” answers. Compare your number of “yes” answers with the diagnosis requirements to determine whether you have a substance dependence or addiction.
Substance Use Disorder (According to the DSM-IV):
1. Has the recurrent substance use result in a failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home?
2. Do you use the substance frequently in situations where it is physically dangerous to do so?
3. Have you continued to use the substance despite having persistent or recurrent social or relational problems due to its use?
4. Have you noticed an increase in the amount of the substance you need to take in order to achieve the desired effect?
5. Do you feel a need to take the substance in order to avoid negative physical, mental, or emotional side effects of not having the substance in your system?
6. Have you taken the substance in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than you originally intended to?
7. Has there been a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down the use of the substance?
8. Do you spend a great deal of time in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects?
9. Have you given up important social, occupational, or recreational activities in order to use the substance?
10. Do you continue to use the substance despite it causing a persistent or recurrent negative physical or psychological effect?
11. Do you have a craving or extremely strong desire to use the substance?
Diagnosis Requirements: 2 out of 11 over a 12 month period.
Substance Dependence (According to the DSM-IV):
1. Have you noticed an increase in the amount of the substance you need to take in order to achieve the desired effect?
2. Do you feel a need to take the substance in order to avoid negative physical, mental, or emotional side effects of not having the substance in your system?
3. Have you taken the substance in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than you originally intended to?
4. Has there been a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down the use of the substance?
5. Do you spend a great deal of time in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects?
6. Have you given up important social, occupational, or recreational activities in order to use the substance?
7. Do you continue to use the substance despite it causing a persistent or recurrent negative physical or psychological effect?
Diagnosis Requirements: 3 out of 7 over a 12 month period
