How Do I Know If I Have a Drug Problem?

A person may know they have a drug problem if they have become dependent on a drug and feel like the drug is needed for functioning. Another way an individual can tell if their drug use is causing a problem is if they are experiencing negative consequences in their home, work, or personal relationships.

When Does Using Drugs Become a Problem?

Drug usage in someone’s life becomes a problem when it negatively affects an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical health. This may manifest as an addiction, withdrawal symptoms, illegal activity, or other negative consequences in their life or the lives of family and friends.

Drugs can also become a problem in someone’s life when they depend on the drug for achieving personal fulfillment at the expense of themselves and/or others.

DSM-V and ICD-10 Criteria for Substance Use Disorders

The table below features the DSM-V and ICD-10, which can be used as a guide to determine if drug usage may be a problem in your life or your loved one’s life.

This is not to be used for a self-diagnosis. Please seek help from a mental health professional for a real diagnosis if you feel like you or your loved one may be experiencing a drug problem.

DSM-VICD-10

The presence of at least 2 symptoms from the list below may indicate a Substance Use Disorder. Severity is defined as:

• Mild: 2–3 symptoms
• Moderate: 4–5 symptoms
• Severe: 6 or more symptoms

Symptoms should occur together for at least 1 month, or repeatedly within a 12-month period.

In the Past Year, Have You:

• Had times when you ended up taking the substance in larger amounts, or for longer, than you intended?
• Experienced a strong desire or sense of compulsion to use the substance?
• More than once wanted to cut down or stop using the substance, or tried to, but couldn’t?
• Had difficulty controlling substance use in terms of when you started, stopped, or how much you used?
• Spent a lot of time using the substance, being sick from it, or recovering from its aftereffects?
• Experienced withdrawal symptoms when you stopped or reduced use (such as the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for that substance), or used the substance to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms?
• Wanted the substance so badly that you couldn’t think of anything else?
• Developed tolerance, meaning you needed increased amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect you once experienced with lower doses?
• Found that substance use interfered with taking care of your home or family, or caused problems at work or school?
• Gradually given up or reduced important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use?
• Continued using the substance even though it was causing problems with family or friends?
• Given up or cut back on activities that were important to you, interesting, or gave you pleasure in order to use the substance?
• More than once gotten into situations while or after using the substance that increased your chances of getting hurt (such as driving, swimming, using machinery, or walking in a dangerous area)?
• Continued using the substance even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious, worsening another health problem, or after experiencing a memory blackout?
• Needed to use much more of the substance than you once did to get the effect you wanted, or found that your usual amount had much less effect than before?
• Experienced withdrawal symptoms when the effects wore off, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, or a racing heart?

DSM-V contains a list of criteria that helps determine if an individual may have a Substance Use Disorder. The DSM-V is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders developed by the American Psychiatric Association in 1952. As research and data continues, the APA updates the DSM with current information which is why there is the letter V for the 5th edition.

ICD-10 contains a list of criteria that helps determine if an individual may have a Substance Use Disorder. The ICD-10 is the International Classification of Diseases developed by the United States National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in 1893. As research and data continues, the APA reviews and updates the ICD with current information which is why there is the number 10 for the 10th revision.

How Can You Find Out?

Many will say if you’re questioning, then that means you have a drug problem and should seek help. Here are a few other ways you can find out if you have a drug problem.

Talk to Your GP

Talk to your general practitioner about your drug use and be honest. GPs can conduct an assessment and refer you to another health professional or level of care if needed.

Get an Assessment with a Mental Health Professional

The best and recommended way to know if you have a drug problem is to get an assessment with a mental health professional. Since they’re experts, they’ll be able to assess the severity of a substance use disorder and recommend the level of treatment you need. You can talk to your GP about a mental health assessment or find other providers who can give one.

Try Minimizing or Stopping Drugs

Note: this is not safe if you consistently take drugs, as drug withdrawal can be life-threatening. If you have not become dependent on drugs though and think you may have a problem, see if you can go without the drug or significantly reduce your drug intake. Does it cause anxiety? Are you struggling to stop?

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Find Treatment Centers That Fit Your Needs

If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you love, professional support can make a meaningful difference. Recovery.com helps you find treatment centers based on your location, substance of concern, and level of care needed. Explore trusted programs, compare options, and take the next step toward lasting recovery today.