Self-Assessment for Alcohol and Substance Use: A Path to Hope and Healing

Recognizing the need for change is the first, courageous step on the path to recovery. If you’ve ever questioned whether your alcohol or drug use is affecting your life, a self-assessment can provide valuable insights into your habits and their impact. It’s an opportunity to pause, reflect, and evaluate your health and well-being. Whether you’re experiencing physical, emotional, or behavioral signs of a problem, acknowledging them is key to regaining control. At Wasatch Crest, we believe that awareness is the first step toward healing, and our comprehensive programs are designed to support your journey to lasting recovery.

Signs You May Have a Problem with Alcohol or Drugs 

Recognizing the signs of a problem is the first step toward healing. It can be challenging to notice when occasional use has become something more serious, but understanding these signs can empower you to take control of your health.

Physical Signs:

• Increased Tolerance: Needing more alcohol or drugs to achieve the same effect.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing shakiness, sweating, nausea, or anxiety when not using.
• Neglect of Appearance: A decline in personal hygiene and self-care.
• Health Issues: Frequent illness, unexplained injuries, or memory loss related to substance use.

Behavioral Signs:

• Loss of Control: Struggling to limit or stop using alcohol or drugs.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work, school, or other obligations due to substance use.
• Risky Behavior: Engaging in dangerous activities, such as driving under the influence.
• Relationship Strain: Conflicts with family, friends, or colleagues.

Emotional Signs:

• Mood Swings: Frequent changes in mood, irritability, or depression linked to substance use.
• Isolation: Withdrawing from social activities or relationships that once mattered.
• Cravings: Feeling a strong urge to use alcohol or drugs, even when you know it could be harmful.

Self-Assessment for Alcohol and Substance Use

The following self-assessment is designed to help you reflect on your alcohol and substance use. It’s a moment to pause and think about your well-being. If your answers raise concerns, know that reaching out for help is a courageous step forward.

Quick Questions:

These questions can guide you in understanding your relationship with alcohol and drugs. Your responses can be: never, occasionally, frequently, or almost daily. Note that a single drink is considered 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor.

Alcohol Use:

• For Men: In the past year, how often did you have 4 or more drinks in a day or 14 or more drinks in a week?
• For Women: In the past year, how often did you have 3 or more drinks in a day or 7 or more drinks in a week?

Drug Use:

• In the past year, how often did you use recreational drugs or prescription medications for non-medical reasons?

What Do My Answers Mean?

• Never: Your substance use is either not present or is within low-risk limits. This suggests minimal concern for health or lifestyle impacts.
• Occasionally: Occasional use may not be problematic, but it’s essential to consider if certain situations or triggers influence these instances.
• Frequently: Regular use may introduce risks to your health, relationships, or responsibilities. This level of use could be starting to affect your life noticeably.
• Almost Daily: A pattern of heavy or consistent use may indicate a higher risk of developing a substance use disorder, with possible negative effects on your well-being and relationships.

Deeper Reflection: These “Yes” or “No” questions help you explore your feelings and experiences around alcohol and drug use.

Alcohol Questions:

• Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
• Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
• Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
• Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

Drug Questions:

• Have you used drugs other than for medical reasons?
• Do you use more than one drug at a time?
• Are you always able to stop using drugs when you want to?
• Have you ever felt guilty about your drug use?

What Do My Answers Mean?

• For Alcohol: If you answered “Yes” to 2 or more questions, or if you frequently drink above the suggested limits, it might be time to seek further advice.
• For Drugs: If you answered “Yes” to any of the drug use questions, it could indicate a potential issue worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

Next Steps: Seeking Help and Support 

If your self-assessment raises concerns, know that this is an opportunity for positive change. Acknowledging the issue is a powerful first step, and seeking help can open doors to the support and resources you need. Reach out to us, and we will connect you with care that aligns with your needs. 

Substance Use Treatment in Park City and Heber, UT 

At Wasatch Crest, we deeply understand substance use and recovery. Our gender-specific and co-ed treatment programs are rooted in compassion and are intended to offer guidance and foster lasting transformations. Set against the serene backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, our centers provide a tranquil setting for your healing journey. Reach out to learn more.