Do I have a Problem

couplerace The following information is provided for your personal education, and is not meant to offer a diagnostic opinion.

ALCOHOL OR DRUGS

Answer the following yes or no questions. If you answer “yes” to four or more questions, you may have a serious substance problem. The word substance is used to indicate alcohol or drugs.

Have you decided to stop using drugs or alcohol for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?
Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drug or alcohol use, and stop telling you what to do?
Has your substance use consistently increased?
Do you spend a great deal of time in activities necessary to get the substance, use the substance, and/or recover from the effects of the substance?
Have you given up or reduced important social, occupational or recreational activities because of substance use?
Have you had problems connected with substance use during the past year?
Has your substance use caused problems at home?
Have you continued using substances despite the knowledge that the substance is interfering with your daily activities?
Do you tell yourself that you can stop using substances any time you want to, even though you keep getting high when you don’t mean to?
Have you missed days at work or school do to substance use?
Have you ever felt that your life might be better if you were not using substances?

WHO IS A PROBLEM USER?

Anyone who goes to work under the influence of substances, or who must use substances in order to get to and perform his/her work is a problem user.
Anyone who sustains bodily injury requiring medical attention as a consequence of an intoxicated state is a problem user.
Anyone who comes in conflict with the law as a consequence of intoxication is a problem user.
Anyone who under the influence of substances does something he/she contends he/she would never do without substances is a problem user.
Anyone who has become dependent upon substances as a way of life, and is uncomfortable in situations where no substances are available is a problem user.
Anyone who needs to increase the amount of drugs taken in order to get the desired effect is a problem user.
Anyone whose work performance or attendance is impaired by his/her use of drugs is a problem user.
Anyone whose family life has been disrupted by continued use of substances is a problem user.
Anyone who hides or “sneaks” substances is a problem user.

INDICATIONS OF POTENTIAL MENTAL HEALTH DIAGNOSIS:

Changes in sleep and eating patterns

Rapid mood swings or mood swings that become a pattern

Changes in, or lack of personal hygiene

Isolation from family and friends

Discussion of suicide or consistently morbid topics

Hyperactivity

Lethargy and/or staying in bed

No need for sleep and not tired

Rapid speech

Racing thoughts

Impulsivity

High Risk Taking

Excessive Spending

Rapid weight loss or gain

Inability to articulate thoughts and emotions

Acting out with aggression or violence

Confusion and inability to make decisions

Decrease in concentration, focus, and follow-through

Constant physical complaints, and unexplained symptoms

Inability to enjoy previously pleasurable activities

Feeling devoid of joy or happiness for a prolonged period

Loss of sexual feelings or sexual ambiguity

Giving personal possessions away

Sudden bursts of emotion such as crying or laughing inexplicably

Cutting,Self-mutilating,hurting or bruising self on purpose

Inability to concentrate or stay on topic

Undue prolonged anxiety

Depression or prolonged sadness

Questionnaire To Identify Signs Of Codependency

This condition has various degrees, whereby the intensity of symptoms are on a spectrum of severity, as opposed to an all or nothing scale. Please note that only a qualified professional can make a diagnosis of co-dependency; not everyone experiencing these symptoms suffers from co-dependency.

Do you keep quiet to avoid arguments?
Are you always worried about others’ opinions of you?
Have you ever lived with someone with an alcohol or drug problem?
Have you ever lived with someone who hits or belittles you?
Are the opinions of others more important than your own?
Do you have difficulty adjusting to changes at work or home?
Do you feel rejected when significant others spend time with friends?
Do you doubt your ability to be who you want to be?
Are you uncomfortable expressing your true feelings to others?
Have you ever felt inadequate?
Do you feel like a “bad person” when you make a mistake?
Do you have difficulty taking compliments or gifts?
Do you feel humiliation when your child or spouse makes a mistake?
Do you think people in your life would go downhill without your constant efforts?
Do you frequently wish someone could help you get things done?

Do you have difficulty talking to people in authority, such as the police or your boss?

Are you confused about who you are or where you are going with your life?
Do you have trouble saying “no” when asked for help?
Do you have trouble asking for help?
Do you have so many things going at once that you can’t do justice to any of them?

If you identify with several of these symptoms; are dissatisfied with yourself or your relationships; you should consider seeking professional help.