Chemical Dependency Checklist

Mark as many of the following statements as fit you.

____ I frequently (once or twice a day) find that my conversation centers on drug or drinking experiences.

____ I drink or get high to deal with tension or physical stress.

____ Most of my friends or acquaintances are people I drink or get high with.

____ I have lost days of school/work because of drinking or other drug use.

____ I have had the shakes when going without drinking or using drugs.

____ I regularly get high or take a drink upon awakening, before eating or while at school or work.

____ I have been arrested for driving under the influence of a substance.

____ I have periods of time, while under the influence, I can not remember.

____ Family members think drinking or other drug use is a problem for me.

____ I have tried to quit using substances but cannot. (One test is to voluntarily go six weeks without substances and not experience physical or emotional distress.)

____ I often double up and/or gulp drinks or regularly use more drugs than others at parties.

____ I often drink or take drugs to “get ready” for a social occasion.

____ I regularly hide alcohol/drugs from those close to me so they are unaware of how much I am using.

____ I often drink or get high by myself.

____ My drinking or use of drugs has led to conflict with my friends or family members.

Scoring:
If you checked three or four items, you should be suspicious about your use of substances.

If you checked five items, you may have the beginnings of a problem and perhaps should start looking for some kind of help.

If you checked more than five, you should talk to a professional counselor.