A Guide for Self-Assessment for Addiction
Self-diagnosing addiction can be challenging because it involves recognizing patterns of behaviour that may be difficult to be aware of or admit. Often, addiction develops gradually. Use starts out as occasional or manageable and progresses to where it becomes problematic. Addiction can also come from deeper emotional needs or struggles, which may make it harder to acknowledge or confront.
However, you can ask specific questions and honestly look at how a substance impacts your life. It may help identify whether a problem exists.
Here are some key areas to guide your self-assessment:
1. Recognize the Signs of Addiction
Addiction is the inability to control substance use despite negative consequences. Key indicators include:
- Tolerance: That is when you need more of the substance to achieve the effect you once had.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical or emotional discomfort (like anxiety, irritability, or cravings) when you stop using?
- Loss of Control: Finding it difficult to manage your use, as in using more than intended for longer periods or more frequently?
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Your substance use leads to problems at work, school, or home (e.g., missed deadlines, declining performance, neglecting family).
- Continued Use Despite Harm: Being aware that your use is causing physical, psychological, or social problems, but continue anyway?
- Spending a Lot of Time: Do you often spend time thinking about, obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of the substance?
- Cravings: Do you have strong urges or cravings to use the substance?
2. Ask Yourself These Questions
A simple self-assessment tool is to ask yourself the following questions:
Behavior-Related Questions:
- Have I ever tried to stop using the substance or reduce my use but couldn’t?
- Do I feel guilty or ashamed about my use or behaviour?
- Have my friends or family members expressed concern about my use?
- Am I using the substance to cope with emotional pain, stress, or trauma?
- Do I use more of the substance than I originally intended, or use it longer or more frequently than I planned?
Impact on Life:
- Has my substance use negatively affected my relationships, work, or school performance?
- Do I spend a lot of time and money on getting or using the substance?
- Have I avoided social activities or hobbies because of my substance use?
- Am I putting myself or others in dangerous situations (e.g., driving under the influence or using substances in risky environments)?
Health and Well-Being:
- Do I experience physical symptoms (like headaches, nausea, or shaking) if I don’t use the substance?
- Am I noticing changes in my mental health (e.g., anxiety, depression) that seem linked to my use?
- Have I built up a tolerance, needing more of the substance to get the same effects?
3. Evaluate the Frequency and Impact
- Frequency: Is the substance becoming a daily or frequent habit? Even occasional use can signal addiction if it harms your life.
- Impact on Health: Are you experiencing health issues related to your use? This could include sleep problems, weight loss, or changes in mood and energy.
- Loss of Interest: Do you pull out from activities, hobbies, or social situations that you previously enjoyed?
4. Common Signs in Dependency
- Escalating Use: You use more frequently or in larger amounts to achieve the desired effect.
- Rationalizing Use: You justify your use by minimizing its impact (e.g., “I can stop anytime,” “It’s not as bad as others think”).
- Isolation: You begin to distance yourself from others to use privately or avoid confrontation.
5. Utilize Self-Assessments or Online Tools
Many organizations offer online self-assessment quizzes to help individuals determine if their use of substances could indicate addiction. Some reliable tools include:
- CAGE Questionnaire (commonly used for alcohol use):
- Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking?
- Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- Have you ever felt Guilty about your drinking?
- Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover (Eye-opener)?
- Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT): Helps assess problematic drinking behavior.
- Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST): Evaluates potential drug-related issues.
6. Consider Emotional and Psychological Factors
Addiction often comes from underlying issues such as:
- Mental health: Using substances to cope with anxiety, depression, or stress?
- Trauma or emotional pain: Is the substance use a way to escape past trauma or emotional difficulties?
7. Next Steps: Seek Professional Help if Necessary
Talking to an addiction referral counsellor can help clear up any ambiguity, and they can guide you to the appropriate service if need be.
Being honest with yourself about your behaviour and its impact on your life is important when self-diagnosing addiction. When your substance use is negatively affecting your physical health, relationships, or daily functioning, it may be time to seek help. You can also find help for addiction treatment in Canada here.
Carole Pelland
Substance Abuse
Digital Marketing Administrator
& Author
