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Substance Use Self-check

This self-check tool is for people 19 and older. If you are under 19 click here.

The self-check will help identify problems with substance use. The tool does not consider all possible problems associated with substance use. It cannot provide a diagnosis. Only a professional can make a diagnosis. This tool is not perfect. We advise you to take action if you are distressed or you want to seek help even if you score in the low range.

The self-check has questions that ask about your use of substances, not including alcohol, during the past 12 months. If you are 19 or older and would like to learn about your alcohol use, please take the Alcohol Use Self-check.

In this self-check tool, drug abuse refers to the use of:

  • illegal substances (such as cocaine, magic mushrooms)
  • prescription medications used in a way not prescribed by a doctor (such as Adderall, oxycodone or Valium)
  • over-the-counter medications used in a non-medical way and not for their intended purpose.

If you have trouble answering any of the questions, choose the response that is the closest to the correct answer.

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

Let's get started
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In the past year have you used drugs other than those required for medical reasons?
Yes
No
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In the past year have you abused prescription drugs?
Yes
No
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In the past year have you abused more than one drug at a time?
Yes
No
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Can you get through the week without using drugs (other than those required for medical reasons)?
Yes
No
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Are you always able to stop using drugs when you want to?
Yes
No
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In the past year have you had "blackouts" or "flashbacks" as a result of drug use?
Yes
No
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Do you ever feel bad or guilty about your drug use?
Yes
No
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In the past year have your parents (or partner/spouse) ever complained about your involvement with drugs?
Yes
No
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In the past year has drug abuse created problems between you and your partner/spouse or your parents?
Yes
No
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In the past year have you lost friends because of your use of drugs?
Yes
No
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In the past year have you neglected your family because of your use of drugs?
Yes
No
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In the past year have you been in trouble at school or at work because of your use of drugs?
Yes
No
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In the past year have you missed school assignments or lost a job because of drug abuse?
Yes
No
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In the past year have you gotten into fights when under the influence of drugs?
Yes
No
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In the past year have you engaged in illegal activities in order to obtain drugs?
Yes
No
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Have you been arrested for possession of illegal drugs?
Yes
No
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In the past year have you experienced withdrawal symptoms (felt sick) when you stopped taking drugs?
Yes
No
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In the past year have you had medical problems as a result of your drug use (for example memory loss, hepatitis, convulsions, bleeding, etc.)?
Yes
No
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In the past year have you gone to anyone for help for a drug problem?
Yes
No
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In the past year have you been involved in a treatment program especially related to drug use?
Yes
No
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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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Your results

You indicated no use of substances or any drug-related problems in the past 12 months.

What you should know

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

Concerns about 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 substance use and how to prevent it from becoming a problem in your life.

  2.  

    Check out Apps and Tools if you want to cut down or stop using substances.

  3.  

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

Based on your answers, there may be some concern about your substance use, especially if it is negatively affecting your life.

We recommend you further evaluate your substance use. Self-reflection, talking to someone whose feedback you trust and learning more about substance use are good places to start. There are also professionals who can help further assess whether you are having negative effects from your use. Understanding the effects of substances, stress management and lifestyle changes can help you reduce your possible risks.

What you should know

add

 

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

Concerns about 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 substance use and how to prevent it from becoming a problem in your life.

  2.  

    Check out Apps and Tools if you want to cut down or stop using substances.

  3.  

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

Your answers suggest that your substance use has become problematic. You may be experiencing problems with friends, family, at work or at school that are directly related to your substance use. It is also possible that you have had some medical or criminal issues related to your use of substances.

What you should know

add

 

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

Concerns about substance use should not be ignored. Taking steps to understand and resolve your concerns now can help lower your future risk. Many people are successful in making changes that result in them feeling healthier and less likely to have problematic substance use.

What you can do

add

 

Based on your answers, we recommend:

  1.  

    Check out Apps and Tools if you want to cut down or stop using substances.

  2.  

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

  3.  

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

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

What you should know

add

 

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

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

Significant problems with alcohol or drugs can be treated successfully.

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 if you want to cut down or stop using substances.

  3.  

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

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