A Checklist on The Use of Alcohol And Other Drugs 
Note as many of the following statements as fit you. 
I find that my conversation frequently (once or twice a day) 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 frequently get high or take a drink upon awakening, before eating, or while at 
school (work). 
I have been arrested for Driving Under the Influence of a substance 
I have periods of time that can't be remembered (blackouts). 
Family members think drinking or other drug use is a problem for me. 
I have tried to quit using substances but cannot. (A good test is voluntarily 
going for six weeks without substances and not experiencing 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 that they will not know 
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. 



The above items are drawn from the clinical experiences of mental health 
professionals who have worked with people having alcohol or drug abuse problems. 
In general, the more items noted, the more likely there is a problem with using 
substances. Scoring: If you noted any of the statements you should be suspicious 
about the way you use substances. 
If you noted as many as one you may have the beginnings of a problem and perhaps 
should start looking for some kind of help. If you noted two or more, you should 
talk about your use of substances with a professional alcohol and drug counselor 
immediately.