Substance Use Self-Evaluation

This self-evaluation is designed to help you reflect on your relationship with substances in a non-judgmental way. It aims to provide insights and resources for a healthier path.

1. Consumption Patterns

1.1 How often do you use substances (e.g., alcohol, cannabis, etc.)?

Daily/Almost Daily Weekly Monthly Rarely Never

1.2 When you use substances, do you typically consume more than you intended?

Always/Often Sometimes Rarely Never N/A (I don’t use)

1.3 Do you use substances in situations where it could be physically hazardous (e.g., driving, operating machinery)?

Always/Often Sometimes Rarely Never N/A (I don’t use)

1.4 Do you use substances as a primary way to relax or unwind after a stressful day?

Always/Often Sometimes Rarely Never N/A (I don’t use)

1.5 Do you ever feel physical or psychological discomfort when you try to cut down or stop using substances?

Always/Often Sometimes Rarely Never N/A (I don’t use)

2. Impact on Life

2.1 Has your substance use ever led to difficulties in your relationships (family, friends, partner)?

Yes, often Yes, sometimes Rarely No N/A (I don’t use)

2.2 Has your substance use affected your work or academic performance?

Yes, significantly Yes, somewhat Rarely No N/A (I don’t use)

2.3 Have you experienced financial difficulties due to your substance use?

Yes, often Yes, sometimes Rarely No N/A (I don’t use)

2.4 Do you feel your substance use interferes with your daily responsibilities or commitments?

Yes, often Yes, sometimes Rarely No N/A (I don’t use)

2.5 Have you ever felt concerned about your substance use, or has someone else expressed concern?

Yes, often Yes, sometimes Rarely No N/A (I don’t use)

3. Coping Mechanisms

3.1 When feeling stressed or overwhelmed, how often do you use strategies other than substances to cope?

Always/Often Sometimes Rarely Never N/A (I don’t need to cope)

3.2 Do you have healthy activities or hobbies that bring you joy and help you relax?

Many Some A few Very few None

3.3 Can you identify and manage difficult emotions without relying primarily on substances?

Always/Often Sometimes Rarely Never N/A (I don’t experience difficult emotions)

3.4 Do you feel equipped with a range of coping skills for life’s challenges?

Strongly equipped Moderately equipped Somewhat equipped Slightly equipped Not equipped

3.5 Do you prioritize self-care activities (e.g., sleep, exercise, nutrition) regularly?

Always Often Sometimes Rarely Never

4. Readiness for Change

4.1 Have you ever considered reducing or stopping your substance use?

Yes, seriously Yes, briefly Maybe, thought about it Not really No, never

4.2 How confident are you in your ability to make changes to your substance use if you chose to?

Very confident Moderately confident Somewhat confident Slightly confident Not confident at all

4.3 Are you open to learning about different ways to manage your substance use or reduce potential harms?

Very open Open Neutral Slightly resistant Not open at all

4.4 Do you believe that making changes to your substance use could improve your life?

Strongly believe Believe somewhat Unsure Doubt it Don’t believe at all

4.5 Are you willing to explore alternative activities or strategies if they could support your well-being?

Very willing Willing Neutral Slightly unwilling Not willing at all

5. Seeking Support

5.1 Do you feel comfortable discussing your substance use with a trusted friend, family member, or professional?

Very comfortable Comfortable Somewhat comfortable Slightly uncomfortable Very uncomfortable

5.2 Have you ever sought information or support regarding substance use from a reliable source (e.g., website, helpline, professional)?

Yes, often Yes, sometimes Considered it Rarely No, never

5.3 Do you know where to find professional help (e.g., therapist, counselor, support group) if you needed it?

Yes, clearly Yes, generally Somewhat Not really No idea

5.4 Are you open to receiving support or guidance from others regarding your substance use?

Very open Open Neutral Slightly resistant Not open at all

5.5 Do you believe that seeking help for substance use is a sign of strength?

Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree

Your Substance Use Self-Evaluation Score

Total Score: / 125

Detailed Insights by Area:

Your Personalized Action Plan

Based on your self-evaluation, here are some tailored next steps to consider for fostering a healthier relationship with substances.

Additional Resources for Growth

Explore these resources to gain deeper knowledge and practical tools for navigating substance use concerns.

General Substance Use Resources

SAMHSA National Helpline – Confidential free help, from public health agencies, to find substance use treatment and information.
Harm Reduction Coalition – Promotes the health and dignity of people who use drugs.
NIAAA: Alcohol Facts and Statistics – National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
NIDA: National Institute on Drug Abuse – Research and information on drug use and addiction.

Understanding Consumption Patterns

Keep a journal of your substance use, noting quantity, frequency, and triggers.
Set realistic goals for reducing use, rather than aiming for immediate abstinence if that feels overwhelming.
Learn about safer use practices for specific substances to reduce risks.

Addressing Life Impact

Identify specific areas of your life (relationships, work, finances) affected by substance use.
Communicate openly with trusted individuals about your concerns.
Seek professional guidance to help navigate these challenges and develop strategies.

Developing Healthy Coping

Explore new hobbies or activities that bring you joy and distraction.
Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises for stress management.
Identify and address underlying emotions that may contribute to substance use.
Build a strong support network of friends, family, or support groups.

Fostering Readiness for Change

Reflect on your personal motivations for making changes to your substance use.
Set small, achievable goals to build confidence and momentum.
Consider the pros and cons of changing your substance use patterns.

Accessing Support

Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional.
Explore local support groups (e.g., SMART Recovery, AA/NA alternatives, harm reduction groups).
Don’t be afraid to seek professional help; it’s a sign of strength and self-care.

Please answer all questions before calculating your score.

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Substance Use Self-Evaluation

1. Consumption Patterns

2. Impact on Life

3. Coping Mechanisms

4. Readiness for Change

5. Seeking Support

Your Substance Use Self-Evaluation Score

Detailed Insights by Area:

Your Personalized Action Plan

Additional Resources for Growth

General Substance Use Resources

Understanding Consumption Patterns

Addressing Life Impact

Developing Healthy Coping

Fostering Readiness for Change

Accessing Support

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