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Addiction: Ask Yourself These Questions

Ask yourself the following questions. The answers can help you see where you might have problems caused by substance abuse. Your answers don't mean you definitely have a substance use problem. But they can help you have a conversation with your healthcare provider. Then you can decide if you’re ready to do something about your use and if more follow-up is needed.

 

Yes

No

 

 

Do you ever have trouble remembering things or focusing on what you’re doing because you’re thinking about using?

Have you ever broken promises because of your substance use?

Have you ever done things when you were using that you wouldn’t normally do?

Have you ever lost a job or had money troubles because of your use?

Do you ever make excuses for your use or lie to hide it?

Does someone make excuses for you when you’re hung over?

Do you find yourself missing work or school more often than normal?

Have your children ever asked you to stop using or been afraid of you when you're using?

Has your spouse or a girlfriend or boyfriend ever left you because of your use?

Have you ever had sexual problems that might be caused by your use?

Have you ever had severe shaking, heard voices, or thought you were seeing things after you’ve been using?

Have you noticed that you’ve gotten sick more often as you use more?

Have you tried to quit but found you just couldn’t?

If you answer Yes to one or more of these questions, you may need to change or stop your substance use.

Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Sabrina Felson MD
Date Last Reviewed: 2/1/2024
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.