Here are a few common addiction tests, which can be applied to either substance or behavioral addictions. In 2011, the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has stated that certain signs, symptoms and behaviors reflect a constellation of addiction-related brain changes.
Addiction quiz – American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV)
Answer yes or no to the following seven questions. Most questions have more than one part, because everyone behaves slightly differently in addiction. You only need to answer yes to one part for that question to count as a positive response.
- Tolerance. Has your use increased over time (escalation)?
- Withdrawal. When you stop using, have you ever experienced physical or emotional withdrawal? Have you had any of the following symptoms: irritability, anxiety, shakes, headaches, sweats, nausea, or vomiting?
- Difficulty controlling your use. Do you sometimes use more or for a longer time than you would like?
- Negative consequences. Have you continued to use even though there have been negative consequences to your mood, self-esteem, health, job, or family?
- Neglecting or postponing activities. Have you ever put off or reduced social, recreational, work, or household activities because of your use?
- Spending significant time or emotional energy. Have you spent a significant amount of time obtaining, using, concealing, planning, or recovering from your use? Have you spend a lot of time thinking about using? Have you ever concealed or minimized your use? Have you ever thought of schemes to avoid getting caught?
- Desire to cut down. Have you sometimes thought about cutting down or controlling your use? Have you ever made unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control your use?
If you answered yes to at least 3 of these questions, then you meet the medical definition of addiction. This definition is based on the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV) and the World Health Organization (ICD-10) criteria.(1)
One simple model for understanding addiction is to apply the four Cs:
- Compulsion to use
- Continued use in spite of adverse consequences
- Inability to Control use
- Craving – psychological or physical
Addiction may be accompanied by physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
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