Self Test - Narcotic or other drug addiction

Am I addicted to drugs?

The questions below were developed by Narcotics Anonymous. The questions are widely used self-diagnostics for people who think they may be addicted to any kind of drug, including prescription drugs and drugs that aren't narcotics.

Do you ever use alone?
Have you ever substituted one drug for another, thinking that one particular drug was the problem?
Have you ever manipulated or lied to a doctor to obtain prescription drugs?
Have you ever stolen drugs or stolen to obtain drugs?
Do you regularly use a drug when you wake up or when you go to bed?
Have you ever taken one drug to overcome the effects of another?
Do you avoid people or places that do not approve of you using drugs?
Have you ever used a drug without knowing what it was or what it would do to you?
Has your job or school performance ever suffered from the effects of your drug use?
Have you ever been arrested as a result of using drugs?
Have you ever lied about what or how much you use?
Do you put the purchase of drugs ahead of your financial responsibilities?
Have you ever tried to stop or control your using?
Have you ever been in a jail, hospital, or drug rehabilitation center because of your using?
Does using interfere with your sleeping or eating?
Does the thought of running out of drugs terrify you?
Do you feel it is impossible for you to live without drugs?
Do you ever question your own sanity?
Is your drug use making life at home unhappy?
Have you ever thought you couldn't fit in or have a good time without drugs?
Have you ever felt defensive, guilty, or ashamed about your using?
Do you think a lot about drugs?
Have you had irrational or indefinable fears?
Has using affected your sexual relationships?
Have you ever taken drugs you didn't prefer?
Have you ever used drugs because of emotional pain or stress?
Have you ever overdosed on any drugs?
Do you continue to use despite negative consequences?
Do you think you might have a drug problem?

"Am I an addict?" This is a question only you can answer. We found that we all answered different numbers of these questions "Yes." The actual number of "Yes" responses wasn't as important as how we felt inside and how addiction had affected our lives.

See our Recovery Resources page for more information about addiction to narcotics and other drugs, and about where you can go for help. If you haven't found it already, one essential source is the Narcotics Anonymous website.

Important note: These self-assessment tools are not a professional diagnosis or opinion. While the results may provide you with useful information, they are not substitutes for the advice of someone trained in identifying and treating addictive disorders, who can understand your personal situation. Friends of Choices provides the information herein "as is," without warranties of any kind. We make no representations including without limitation warranties as to accuracy, timeliness, completeness, or fitness for any purpose of any information or link to information contained on this site or other sites or correspondence. Under no circumstances shall Friends of Choices or any of its directors, employees or consultants be liable to the user for any damages whatsoever.

"Take the Test" is a service mark of Friends of Choices Inc., a not-for-profit corporation in the service of people with chemical dependency and those who love them. "Take the Test" is sponsored by the individuals and organizations that support Friends Of Choices. We thank them for their support and commitment to you and me and recovery.