I have found myself desiring sobriety or attempting to quit at least once.

My desire to continue using overrides my desire for sobriety.

I find my attempts to quit lead, at some point, to relapse.

I am using a substances more than I originally intended. 
This can include larger doses or more frequent usage.

My behaviors surrounding substance use have evolved.

Substance use began as a social activity and has transform into something more akin to a need.

I find it difficult to avoid thinking about a substance when the effects have worn off? 

I actively look forward to or crave my next opportunity to use a substance?

Note that cravings are typically tied to triggers, which refer to specific elements–like emotions, events, or people–that cause us to want or need to use a substance. The trigger is the cause and the craving is the effect.

I spend a great deal of time thinking of ways to acquire more of a substance. 

I prioritize the purchasing of a substance over the purchase of necessities such as food or bills.

I spend a good portion of my day recovering from substance abuse.

I have lost sight of the value of certain social or recreational activities that previously brought me joy or fulfillment.

I have stopped participating in those activities in favor of activities that involve or allow for substance use.

I find it difficult to enjoy social or recreational activities when not feeling the effects of a substance.

I have put myself in dangerous or hazardous positions when using a substance.

(For example, this could include operating heavy machinery or driving a vehicle while under the influence.) 

I continue to practice this behavior in spite of knowing the danger to myself and others?

I recognize that my substance use is causing negative emotional or physical consequences.

For example, addiction can often lead to increased mental illness or medical conditions. 

I continue to prioritize substance use over improving my personal wellness.

My substance use has led to interpersonal issues. 

These issues may be between friends, family members, peers, and employers. 

I continue to prioritize substance use over my important relationships and employment opportunities.

Substance use has caused me to implement poor judgement on more than one occasion.

I am becoming less reliable to my friends, family members, peers and employers.

People that once considered me a trustworthy person no longer expect me to stay true to my word.

I find that the effects of a substance don’t seem to be as strong anymore.

As mentioned earlier, dependence typically leads to tolerance, although it is not always easy to detect a growing tolerance within ourselves. 

I need to consume a substance more frequently or in larger amounts than I did in the past in order to feel the full effect.

I find that as a substance wears off, I feel sick, irritable or restless.

Withdrawal symptoms are often one of the triggers that lead to cravings. 

Consuming a substance alleviates those feelings in ways that other factors (like sleep or food) don’t.