Confidential Addiction Self-Assessment
Eleven quick questions, based on the criteria clinicians use, to help you understand your relationship with alcohol or drugs. Private, free, and no sign-up — your results show instantly.
- 100% confidential
- No email or sign-up to see results
- About 3 minutes
This short check is based on the eleven criteria in the DSM-5 — the same framework clinicians use to recognise a substance use disorder. Answer honestly about the past 12 months. There are no right or wrong answers, nothing is stored, and you’ll see what your answers mean the moment you finish.
In crisis or thinking about harming yourself? Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or reach the free SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357, any time.
0 of 11 answered
1Have you often ended up using more, or for longer, than you meant to?
2Have you wanted to cut down or stop — or tried to — without being able to?
3Do you spend a lot of time getting it, using it, or recovering from its effects?
4Do you get strong urges or cravings to use?
5Has your use made it hard to keep up with work, school, or home?
6Do you keep using even when it causes problems with family, friends, or coworkers?
7Have you given up or cut back on activities you used to enjoy because of your use?
8Have you used in situations where it could be dangerous (like driving)?
9Do you keep using even though you know it’s harming your health or your mood?
10Do you need more than you used to for the same effect (or feel less from the same amount)?
11Do you get withdrawal symptoms when it wears off — or use to avoid them?
Educational screening based on DSM-5 criteria — not a diagnosis.
This is a confidential screening tool based on the DSM-5 criteria, not a medical diagnosis. Only a licensed professional can diagnose a substance use disorder. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988.
Helpful next steps
Would it help to talk to someone?
If you’d like, a caring specialist can walk through your options with you and help you find a program that fits — using what you shared here so you don’t have to start from scratch. It’s free, confidential, and there’s no pressure and no obligation. You can also just call: 1-888-685-2199.
Understanding the DSM-5 severity levels
Clinicians count how many of the eleven criteria apply over the past year. Severity is a spectrum — and treatment is effective at every level.
| Criteria met | Severity | What it often means |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 1 | Below threshold | No substance use disorder indicated — a useful moment for reflection. |
| 2 – 3 | Mild | An early pattern. Often the easiest stage to turn around. |
| 4 – 5 | Moderate | Professional guidance makes a real difference at this stage. |
| 6 + | Severe | Often called addiction. Fully treatable — recovery is possible. |
Self-Assessment — FAQ
No. This is a confidential educational screening based on the 11 criteria the DSM-5 uses to describe a substance use disorder. It can help you understand where your use may fall on the spectrum, but only a licensed clinician can make a diagnosis. Think of it as an objective mirror, not a verdict.
Your answers are scored in your browser and are not stored or tied to your identity. We only ever receive your name or contact details if you choose to fill in the optional "have a specialist reach out" form at the end — and even then, it is confidential and there is no obligation.
The DSM-5 counts how many of the 11 criteria apply over the past year: 2–3 is considered mild, 4–5 moderate, and 6 or more severe. Fewer than 2 does not indicate a disorder. Severity is a spectrum, not a label — and every level responds to the right support.
First, know that recovery is genuinely possible at every level, and reaching out is a strength, not a failure. You can explore the levels of care, talk to a specialist who will help you find the right program, or call the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 any time. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.