Self-Assessment Questions

Following are some self-assessment questions aimed at helping you decide where you are in relation to an addiction. Answer these as honestly as you can. You may wish to discuss the results with a professional experienced in dealing with addiction, an addict in a recovery program, or someone else you trust.

1. What are the substance(s) or behavior(s) that you are concerned about possibly being addicted to? When did you start these, and how long have you been involved with them? How much, and how often, do you use the substance(s) or participate in the behavior?

2. What is your usual pattern of engaging in this behavior (for example: every day, several times each week, several times per month), and how has it changed over the past several years (that is, is it getting worse)?

3. How has this substance or behavior affected your physical health?

4. How has this substance or behavior affected your thinking patterns, concentration, or attitudes?

5. How has this substance or behavior affected your moods or feelings?

6. How has this substance or addiction affected your behavior?

7. How has this substance or behavior affected your personality?

8. How has this substance or behavior affected your self-esteem?

9. How has this substance or behavior affected your motivation and your job or school performance?

10. How has this substance or behavior affected your financial condition?

11. How has this substance or behavior affected your relationships with your family, including your children?

12. How has this substance or behavior affected your relationships with friends or other people?

13. How has this substance or behavior affected your ability to conform to the laws of society?

14. How has this substance or behavior affected your religious beliefs and/or your spirituality?

15. What other ways has this substance or behavior affected you?

16. Who in your life has expressed concern over your possible addictive use of a substance or involvement in an addictive behavior? What exactly was the nature of this concern?

17. How would your life be different if you did not use this substance or engage in this behavior?

18. After reviewing your answers to these questions, what conclusions do you reach about yourself in terms of addiction(s)?

Adapted from: Daley, DC. Kicking Addictive Habits Once and for All. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers; 1998: 5.