Answer 11 compassionate, non-judgmental questions informed by the DSM-5 criteria for Substance Use Disorder to understand your relationship with substances and receive personalized guidance and next steps.
This quiz is designed to help you understand your relationship with substances — without judgment. Answer each question honestly based on your experiences over the past 6 months.
There are no right or wrong answers. The goal is simply to help you see patterns that may be hard to recognize on your own.
Answer Scale
Not a substitute for professional medical advice,
diagnosis, or treatment.
Addiction — clinically known as Substance Use Disorder (SUD) — is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that affects an estimated 46.3 million Americans aged 12 or older. It is characterized by the compulsive seeking and use of substances despite harmful consequences, and it involves lasting changes in brain circuits responsible for reward, motivation, memory, and self-control.
Addiction is not a moral failing, a lack of willpower, or a choice. While initial substance use may be voluntary, repeated exposure changes brain chemistry in ways that make stopping extraordinarily difficult without professional support. This is why most people cannot simply "decide" to quit — and why structured treatment programs like Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) exist.
The good news: addiction is highly treatable. Research consistently shows that people who complete structured treatment programs are five times more likely to achieve sustained recovery than those who attempt to quit on their own. The barrier for most people isn't treatability — it's recognizing the problem and taking the first step.
Substance use disorder affects people across all demographics. These statistics highlight both the scale of the problem and the critical treatment gap that exists today.
| Category | Prevalence / Data | Key Clinical Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) | ~10.5% of Adults | Alcohol remains the most common reason for seeking IOP services. |
| Illicit Drug Use | ~13% of Adults | Includes misuse of prescription opioids, stimulants, and cannabis. |
| Co-occurring Disorders | ~45% – 50% | About half of people with SUD also have a mental illness (Dual Diagnosis). |
| Treatment Gap | ~90% Untreated | Only about 10% of people with SUD receive any form of specialty treatment. |
| Recovery Success | 5x Higher | Success rates are significantly higher for those who complete a structured program (like IOP) vs. quitting alone. |
Sources: SAMHSA National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2023–2025), NIDA, NIAAA. Prevalence estimates represent annual data.
This addiction screening quiz is informed by the DSM-5 criteria for Substance Use Disorder — the same diagnostic framework used by psychiatrists and addiction specialists worldwide. The 11 questions evaluate three core dimensions of substance use:
Medical Disclaimer: This quiz is a screening tool only and is not a clinical diagnosis. Results should not replace the evaluation of a licensed mental health or medical professional. If you are experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms from alcohol or benzodiazepines, seek immediate medical attention — abrupt cessation can be life-threatening. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.
| Score Range | Severity | Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 8 | Low Risk | No immediate concern. Continue monitoring and stay informed about risk factors. |
| 9 – 17 | At-Risk Use | Patterns suggest substance use may be escalating. Education, harm reduction, and counseling recommended. |
| 18 – 27 | Early-Stage Dependence | Professional evaluation recommended. Individual therapy or IOP may be appropriate. |
| 28 – 36 | Significant — Loss of Control | IOP strongly recommended. Structured support is needed to address compulsive use patterns. |
| 37 – 44 | Severe | Immediate professional intervention. Medically supervised detox may be needed before IOP. |
Based on DSM-5 Substance Use Disorder criteria. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.
Treatment Available in Port Charlotte & Arcadia, FL
Addiction thrives in isolation. Our behavioral health specialists are here to help you understand what you're experiencing and find the right path forward — with compassion, not judgment.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988 immediately.