If you have ever asked yourself “am I an addict?” then the chances are that you are abusing drugs in a way that is negatively impacting your life. Drug addictions can be incredibly damaging to the person abusing them and the people around them. A person with a substance use disorder will often encounter problems in their personal life, relationships, finances, work, and may even get in trouble with the law. There is also the risk of drug overdose, which claims an increasing number of lives each year.

How can I tell if I have a drug addiction?

This drug abuse self-assessment is based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), which is used to measure the criteria for addiction or a substance use disorder.

These criteria are measured by the negative impact drugs have on a person’s life, including physical, psychological, and behavioral changes or problems, and are classified as mild, moderate, and severe.

If you feel that you or someone you care about is at risk of drug addiction, this addiction test will indicate the severity of the problem. Answer the below questions honestly based on the past 12 months of substance use.

Question /

Your addiction level is

No current
issue

Your current substance abuse is not considered dangerous. However, if you are abusing substances, be they illicit or prescription medications, then stop immediately.

Your addiction level is

Mild

Your score indicates that you are abusing the substance in a dangerous way. Continued drug abuse causes a tolerance to build for the chemical reaction happening in your brain when using. If substance abuse remains unchanged, a dependence will form, meaning you will require more of the substance to feel its effects or to feel “normal”.

Your addiction level is

Moderate

There is a high possibility that you have developed a tolerance to the substance and may have a dependence on it. If left untreated, the negative consequences of dependence can lead to addiction. Support groups, counseling, and outpatient treatment programs can all help taper substance use and provide support to recover from dependence.

Your addiction level is

Severe

This score indicates that you have a substance use disorder or drug addiction. Addiction is a disease and can be extremely difficult to beat alone. Luckily, there are many treatment options available to overcome all forms of addiction. Speak to a treatment provider today to make the first step in recovering from drug addiction.

What should I do if I have a drug addiction?

If you have scored six or higher on this substance use disorder test, then there is a high possibility that you have an addiction. Thankfully, there are treatment centers all over the country that are equipped to help you deal with addiction. Whether you have an addiction to opioid painkillers, cocaine, meth, or a combination of multiple substances then treatment is available.

Rehab centers, in either an inpatient or outpatient setting, can offer a safe place to detox, medically assisted treatment (MAT), a wide range of therapies and counseling, as well as a long-term addiction recovery plan. Our rehab directory can help you find a treatment option near you and help begin the journey to recovery.