Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs.
Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive substance seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the addicted individual and to those around him or her. Although the initial decision to abuse substances is voluntary for most people, the brain changes that occur over time challenge a person's self control and ability to resist intense impulses urging him or her to use substances.
Learn More About Addiction »
There are a myriad of substances which can be abused or misused, all of which have dangerous health implications. While many drugs are illegal, some legal substances can be bad for you in large quantities or if taken incorrectly.
Learn More About Substances »
Scientific research has shown that treatment can help drug-addicted individuals stop drug use, avoid relapse and successfully recover their lives. Based on this research, 13 fundamental principles that characterize effective drug abuse treatment have been developed.
Learn More About Treatments »
Friends and family may be among the first to recognize the signs of substance abuse. Early recognition increases chances for successful treatment. Many treatment options and informational resources are available for members of the military community.
Learn More About Getting Help »
Completing this questionnaire should take about 5 minutes. When you're done with the assessment, I'll tell you your results and I'll mention some resources you're sure to find helpful.
Because your privacy is of utmost importance, we do not gather any personal health information. For more information about the use of PHI and your personal privacy, please visit the Defense Privacy, Civil Liberties and Transparency Division of the U.S. Department of Defense.
While this tool can help you determine if you need additional help, only a health care professional can provide an actual diagnosis.
Please click, "I Acknowledge" to confirm that you have read and understand these statements as they have been presented to you.
In your lifetime, which of the following substances have you ever used? (NON-MEDICAL USE ONLY)
In the past three months, how often have you used each of the following substances? (NON-MEDICAL USE ONLY)
During the past three months, how often have you had a strong desire or urge to use each substance?
During the past three months, how often has your use of each substance led to health, social, legal, or financial problems?
During the past three months, how often have you failed to do what was normally expected of you because of your use of each substance?
Has a friend or anyone else ever expressed concern because of your use of these substances?
Have your ever tried and failed to control, cut down or stop using these substances?
Assessment Results
Your score is in a range typically associated with no or low alcohol or drug use.
Although only a healthcare professional can provide a diagnosis your responses suggest that you are not experiencing symptoms associated with abuse of alcohol or other substances.
Military life is rewarding, yet often stressful. Learn five options to help you find healthy ways to cope with stress.
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Establishes policies, assigns responsibilities, and prescribes procedures for problematic alcohol and drug use prevention, identification, diagnosis, and treatment for DoD military and civilian personnel.
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