Self-assessment

SELF ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST

My drug use doesn't make me feel as good as it once did.

When I have been working diligently, I reward myself with my drug.

I sometimes use because I am angry.

I sometimes use to cope with difficult people.

I sometimes use as a "pick-me-up" - to boost my energy level.

I sometimes use to escape pain.

I sometimes use because I am lonely.

I sometimes use because I am depressed.

I sometimes experience blackouts-periods of memory loss.

I sometimes feel that I need to use.

I sometimes feel that my life is crumbling.

I feel guilty for using.

I have broken relationships because of my drug use.

I think my self-esteem is lower now than it was when I began to use.

My using has contributed to my loss of a job.

My using is affecting my health negatively.

I have tried to quit and then began using again.

I sometimes feel shame because I can't quit.

It takes more of the substance to give me a high than it once did.

It takes less of the substance to "wipe me out" than it once did.

THE STAGES OF ADDICTION

Stage One: Experimenting and Learning (At this stage the user-)

typically uses "light stuff" (alcohol or marijuana), though occasionally may use hard drugs.

experiences euphoric effects of alcohol or other drugs and suffers few consequences for using or drinking behavior.

learns to trust the chemical substance and its effects and learns that the amount of intake controls those effects.

Stage Two: Seeking ( Having learned that chemicals will prduce "good" feelings, the user)

establishes limits for using.

usually can continue to control the amount he or she uses.

may experience disruption in regular work or school activities.

feels little emotional pain when choosing to drink or use.

Stage Three: Obsessing (Alcohol or other drugs become important. In this stage, the user)

becomes preoccupied with getting "high."

begins to experience periodic loss of control over use.

loses sense of self-worth and instead begins to feel guilt and shame for behaviors when high.

develops ritualization - a compulsive approach to using.

begins to rationalize, to justify, or to minimize negative feelings about himself or herself.

Stage Four: Consuming (The substance "has" the user, and now he or she-)

must use just to feel "normal"

believes other people and circumstances - never self - are the root of his or her problems.

may entertain thoughts of suicide or running away.

experiences deteriorating health and withdrawal symptoms.

feels quilt, shame, remorse, anxiety, paranoia.

experiences withdrawal symptoms.