Addiction Screening Questionnaire
Answer eight evidence-informed questions that explore craving, control, tolerance, withdrawal, and life impact—the core DSM-5 domains for substance use disorders.
How often do you spend more time than intended on the substance or behaviour?
How strong are your cravings or urges?
How much difficulty do you have controlling or cutting back?
How much does it impact work, school, or home responsibilities?
How much strain does it place on relationships?
Have you noticed tolerance—needing more to achieve the same effect?
Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping or reducing?
How often do you continue despite physical or psychological harm?
Total score
0
Range 0–24 (higher indicates greater severity)
Interpretation
Low risk / recreational pattern
Current responses do not suggest a high level of addiction-related impairment. Continue monitoring and practice harm reduction.
Immediate next steps
- Share results with a trusted healthcare professional or counsellor.
- Consider evidence-based supports: CBT, motivational interviewing, medication-assisted treatment, or peer groups (SMART Recovery, AA/NA).
- Create a safety plan, reduce triggers, and set up accountability check-ins.
How to Use This Calculator
Reflect honestly on the past three months
Include any substance use (alcohol, opioids, stimulants, cannabis) or behavioural addictions (gambling, gaming, pornography, shopping).
Answer every question
Higher scores indicate more domains being affected. Compare with earlier responses to track change over time.
Use results to start a conversation
Share findings with a healthcare provider, therapist, or support network to tailor an action plan.
Formula
Total score = Sum of all question scores (0–3 each, total range 0–24)
Risk categories:
- 0–6: Low risk
- 7–14: Moderate risk
- 15–20: High risk
- 21–24: Very high risk
Domains derived from DSM-5 criteria: impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and physiological dependence.
Full Description
Addiction is a chronic condition involving brain reward, motivation, and memory circuits. This self-check covers the four diagnostic pillars of substance use disorders: impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological indicators (tolerance/withdrawal). High scores suggest a need for professional evaluation and anticipatory guidance about withdrawal safety, co-occurring mental health disorders, and relapse prevention. Remember that stigma can delay treatment—compassionate, trauma-informed care improves outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a diagnostic tool?
No. It is a screening instrument for educational purposes. Diagnosis requires clinical assessment by licensed professionals.
How often should I repeat the questionnaire?
Monthly check-ins help track progress. Share results with your therapist or recovery coach to adjust strategies.
What if I receive a high score?
Reach out to your healthcare provider, addiction helpline, or local treatment services. Early intervention improves recovery odds.
Does it apply to behavioural addictions?
Yes. The domains also capture compulsive gambling, gaming, shopping, or internet use. Discuss specifics with a clinician.