What kind of Disease is Alcoholism & Drug Addiction?

Medically defined, alcoholism & drug addiction are diseases in which there is impaired control, preoccupation with, continued use of alcohol and drugs in the face of adverse consequences, and distorted thinking. Generally speaking, alcoholism and drug addiction are repeated drinking and drug use that cause trouble in the person's personal, professional, family or school life. When alcoholics' & drug addicts use, they can't always predict when they'll stop, how much they'll use, or what the consequences of their drinking & drug use will be. Denial of the negative effects of drugs & alcohol in their lives is common.

Self Test for Alcoholism and Drug Addiction

Answering these 20 questions will give you an idea if your drinking patterns are safe, risky or harmful. The test is completely confidential and anonymous; your results are not recorded; and are available only to you. You will not be asked for any personal identifying information.

This quiz was developed by the Office of Health Care Programs, Johns Hopkins University Hospital. If you consume alcohol or use drugs this quiz can give you an idea how your drinking or drug abuse may fall into harmful patterns and indicate whether or not you have a drinking or drug problem.

This quiz does not provide a diagnosis and the results cannot be substituted for a full evaluation by a healthcare professional, and should only be used as a guide to understanding your alcohol/drug use, its effect on your life & its potential health issues.

When answering the questions, please use the last 12 months as a frame of reference.

Please answer Yes or No to the following questions:

Sr. No.	Questions	Yes	No
1.	Do you miss work due to your drinking or drug use?
2.	Is drinking or drug use making your home life unhappy?
3.	Do you drink or use drugs because you are shy with other people?
4.	Is drinking or using drugs affecting your reputation?
5.	Have you ever felt remorse after drinking or drug use?
6.	Have you gotten into financial difficulties as a result of your drinking or drug use?
7.	Do you turn to lower companions and an inferior environment when drinking or using drugs?
8.	Does your drinking or using drugs make you careless of your family's welfare?
9.	Has your ambition decreased since drinking or using drugs?
10.	Do you crave a drink or drugs at a definite time daily?
11.	Do you want a drink or drugs the next morning?
12.	Does drinking or drug use cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
13.	Has your efficiency decreased since drinking or using drugs?
14.	Is drinking or using drugs jeopardizing your job or business?
15.	Do you drink or use drugs to escape from worries or troubles?
16.	Do you drink or use drugs alone?
17.	Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of your drinking or drug use?
18.	Has your physician ever treated you for drinking or drug use?
19.	Do you drink or use drugs to build up your self-confidence?
20.	Have you ever been in a hospital or institution on account of drinking or drug use?