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Substance Abuse

Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs.

What is Addiction?

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 »

Substances

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 »

Treatments

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 »

Getting Help

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 »

Self Assessment for Alcohol and Drug Use [0% complete]

Welcome to the Alcohol & Drug Use assessment

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.

Important Note

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.
Q1:

In your lifetime, which of the following substances have you ever used? (NON-MEDICAL USE ONLY)
Alcohol
Cannabis
Cocaine
Amphetamine type stimulants (speed, diet pills, ecstasy, etc.)
Sedatives or sleeping pills (Valium, Serapax, Rohypnol, Ambien, etc.)
Other drug use (inhalants, hallucinogens, opioids, etc.)
Q2:

In the past three months, how often have you used each of the following substances? (NON-MEDICAL USE ONLY)
Alcohol
Cannabis
Cocaine
Amphetamine type stimulants (speed, diet pills, ecstasy, etc.)
Sedatives or sleeping pills (Valium, Serapax, Rohypnol, Ambien, etc.)
Other drug use (inhalants, hallucinogens, opioids, etc.)
Q3:

During the past three months, how often have you had a strong desire or urge to use each substance?
Alcohol
Cannabis
Cocaine
Amphetamine type stimulants (speed, diet pills, ecstasy, etc.)
Sedatives or sleeping pills (Valium, Serapax, Rohypnol, Ambien, etc.)
Other drug use (inhalants, hallucinogens, opioids, etc.)
Q4:

During the past three months, how often has your use of each substance led to health, social, legal, or financial problems?
Alcohol
Cannabis
Cocaine
Amphetamine type stimulants (speed, diet pills, ecstasy, etc.)
Sedatives or sleeping pills (Valium, Serapax, Rohypnol, Ambien, etc.)
Other drug use (inhalants, hallucinogens, opioids, etc.)
Q5:

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?
Alcohol
Cannabis
Cocaine
Amphetamine type stimulants (speed, diet pills, ecstasy, etc.)
Sedatives or sleeping pills (Valium, Serapax, Rohypnol, Ambien, etc.)
Other drug use (inhalants, hallucinogens, opioids, etc.)
Q6:

Has a friend or anyone else ever expressed concern because of your use of these substances?
Alcohol
Cannabis
Cocaine
Amphetamine type stimulants (speed, diet pills, ecstasy, etc.)
Sedatives or sleeping pills (Valium, Serapax, Rohypnol, Ambien, etc.)
Other drug use (inhalants, hallucinogens, opioids, etc.)
Q7:

Have your ever tried and failed to control, cut down or stop using these substances?
Alcohol
Cannabis
Cocaine
Amphetamine type stimulants (speed, diet pills, ecstasy, etc.)
Sedatives or sleeping pills (Valium, Serapax, Rohypnol, Ambien, etc.)
Other drug use (inhalants, hallucinogens, opioids, etc.)
A:

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.

Recommendations

  • Consult with your health care provider if you have questions (or find a doctor on the TRICARE website).
  • For help right now, visit the Veteran Crisis Line for text support or call 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1).
  • You may benefit from learning about other health issues that are often linked to alcohol and substance use: depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, sleep, relationship stress, and anger.
* All questions require a response prior to proceeding

You also may be interested in...

6025.15

Policy

Management of Problematic Substance Use by DOD Personnel

  • Identification #: 6025.15
  • Date: 4/16/2019
  • Type: DHA Procedural Instruction
  • Topics: Substance Abuse

6490.02

Policy

Behavioral Health (BH) Treatment and Outcomes Monitoring

  • Identification #: 6490.02
  • Date: 7/12/2018
  • Type: DHA Procedural Instruction
  • Topics: Substance Abuse

DoD Instruction 1010.04: Problematic Substance Use by DoD Personnel

Policy

Establishes policies, assigns responsibilities, and prescribes procedures for problematic alcohol and drug use prevention, identification, diagnosis, and treatment for DoD military and civilian personnel.

  • Identification #: DoD Instruction 1010.04
  • Date: 2/20/2014
  • Type: Instructions
  • Topics: Substance Abuse
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