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Under 19 Alcohol & Substance Use Self-check

Substances and Choices Scale

This self-check tool is for people under the age of 19. If you are 19 or older click here.

This self-check will help identify problems with alcohol and substance use. The tool does not consider all possible problems connected with alcohol and substance use. The self-check cannot provide a diagnosis. Only a professional can make a diagnosis.

This self-check includes questions about both alcohol and substance use over the past month.

We will not share your answers or any information about you with anyone. Please see our privacy policy for more information.

Christie, G., Marsh, R., Seridan, J., Wheeler, A., Suaalii-Sanui, T., Black, S., et al. (2007). The Substance and Choices Scale (SACS) – The development and testing of a new alcohol and other drug screening and outcome measurement instrument for young people.

Thanks to Werry Workforce Wharahau for permission to use the SACS. For more information go to Opt for Fun, Strength, and Wellbeing.

Let's get started
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How often did you drink in the last month?
Alcoholic drinks (for example beer, wine, spirits, hard liquor, coolers)
Didn't use
Once a week or less
More than once a week
Most days or more
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How often did you smoke (for example cannabis, weed, pot, marijuana)in the last month?
Didn't use
Once a week or less
More than once a week
Most days or more
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How often did use any other drugs in the last month?
(for example ecstasy, mushrooms, inhalants, benzos, cocaine, meth, heroin, crack)
Didn't use
Once a week or less
More than once a week
Most days or more
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In the last month I took alcohol or drugs when I was alone.
Not true
Somewhat true
Definitely true
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In the last month I‘ve thought I might be hooked or addicted to alcohol or drugs.
Not True
Somewhat true
Definitely true
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In the last month most of my free time has been spent getting hold of, taking, or recovering from alcohol or drugs.
Not true
Somewhat true
Definitely true
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In the last month I’ve wanted to cut down on the amount of alcohol and drugs that I am using.
Not true
Somewhat true
Definitely true
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In the last month my alcohol and drug use has stopped me from getting important things done.
Not true
Somewhat true
Definitely true
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In the last month my alcohol or drug use has led to arguments with the people I live with (family, roommates or caregivers).
Not true
Somewhat true
Definitely true
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In the last month I’ve had unsafe sex or an unwanted sexual experience when taking alcohol or drugs.
Not true
Somewhat true
Definitely true
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In the last month my performance or attendance at school (or at work) has been affected by my alcohol or drug use.
Not true
Somewhat true
Definitely true
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In the last month I did things that could have got me into serious trouble (for example stealing, vandalism, violence etc.) when using alcohol or drugs.
Not true
Somewhat true
Definitely true
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In the last month I've driven a car while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (or have been driven by someone under the influence).
Not true
Somewhat true
Definitely true
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I am taking this test
To learn about myself
For fun; just playing around
Professional interest
To try and understand somebody else
Prefer not to answer
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Have you received help for your drinking or drug use from a professional in the past year?
No
Yes
Prefer not to answer
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Your results

Based on your answers there are likely no concerns about your use of alcohol and other substances.

Even though your alcohol and other substance use is not causing problems right now, it’s important to stay informed about alcohol and other substance use and ways to reduce risks.

What you should know

add

Alcohol and other substance use is not uncommon among young people. Young people can experience a number of different effects from their alcohol and other substance use and these can be experienced as both positive and negative. That said, any use of alcohol and other substances comes with risk. Learning more about alcohol and other substance use can help you understand how to lower those risks.

Concerns about alcohol and other substance use should not be ignored. Taking steps to understand and resolve your concerns now can help lower your future risk.

What you can do

add

Based on your answers, we recommend:

  1. Learning more about alcohol and other substance use and how to prevent it from becoming a problem in your life.

  2. Check out Apps and Tools to help cut down or stop drinking or using other substances.

  3. To find support in your community, online or over the phone go to the Get Support section.

Based on your answers there are some concerns about your use of alcohol and other substances, as it may be negatively affecting your life.

We recommend you further evaluate your use of alcohol or other substances. Self-reflection, talking to someone whose feedback you trust and learning more are good places to start. There are also professionals who can help further assess how alcohol is impacting your life. Understanding the effects of alcohol, learning about stress management and lifestyle changes can help you reduce your possible risks.

What you should know

add

Alcohol and other substance use is not uncommon among young people. Young people can experience a number of different effects from their alcohol and other substance use and these can be experienced as both positive and negative. That said, any use of alcohol and other substances comes with risk. Learning more about alcohol and other substance use can help you understand how to lower those risks.

Concerns about alcohol and other substance use should not be ignored. Taking steps to understand and resolve your concerns now can help lower your future risk.

What you can do

add

Based on your answers, we recommend:

  1. Learning more about alcohol and other substance use and how to prevent it from becoming a problem in your life.

  2. Check out Apps and Tools to help cut down or stop drinking or using other substances.

  3. To find support in your community, online or over the phone go to the Get Support section.

Your answers suggest there are serious concerns about your use of alcohol and other substances. You are probably experiencing some negative effects (for example it is interfering with your ability to function at work, at school or socially, you may be taking dangerous risks or getting into trouble). Seeking support can help you manage your alcohol or substance use.

What you should know

add

Alcohol and other substance use is not uncommon among young people. Young people can experience a number of different effects from their alcohol and other substance use and these can be experienced as both positive and negative. That said, any use of alcohol and other substances comes with risk. Learning more about alcohol and other substance use can help you understand how to lower those risks.

Concerns about alcohol and other substance use should not be ignored. Taking steps to understand and resolve your concerns now can help lower your future risk.

What you can do

add

Based on your answers, we recommend:

  1. Check out Apps and Tools to help cut down or stop drinking or using other substances.

  2. To find support in your community, online or over the phone go to the Get Support section.

  3. Learning more about alcohol and other substance use and how to prevent it from becoming a problem in your life.

Your answers suggest that your use of alcohol and other substances is having a very negative effect on your life. Seeking support can help you manage your alcohol or substance use.

What you should know

add

Alcohol and other substance use is not uncommon among young people. Young people can experience a number of different effects from their alcohol and other substance use and these can be experienced as both positive and negative. That said, any use of alcohol and other substances comes with risk. Learning more about alcohol and other substance use can help you understand how to lower those risks.

Concerns about alcohol use should not be ignored. Taking steps to understand and resolve your concerns now can help lower your future risk.

What you can do

add

Based on your answers, we recommend:

  1. To find support in your community, online or over the phone go to the Get Support section.

  2. Check out Apps and Tools to help cut down or stop drinking or using other substances.

  3. Learning more about alcohol and other substance use and how to prevent it from becoming a problem in your life.

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