Substance Abuse Checklist

·        Does the person report or appear to be frequently high or intoxicated?

·        Do recreational activities center around drinking or other drug use, including getting, using, and recovery from use?

·        Does the immediate peer group of the individual suggest that substance abuse may be encouraged?

·        Is the person socially isolated from others and is substance abuse occurring alone?

·        Is the person reluctant to attend social events where chemicals won't be available?

·        Does the person use "social drugs" with prescribed medications?

·        Does the person use more than is safe in light of other medications they may be using, or because of compromised tolerance due to illness or disability?

·        Does the person have an elevated tolerance as evidenced by the use of large quantities of alcohol or other drugs without appearing intoxicated?

·        Are there predictable patterns of use which are well known to others?

·        Is there a reliance on chemicals to cope with stress?

·        Has the person made lifestyle changes yet the drug use has stayed the same or increased? (eg. changed friends or moved to another area)

·        Does the person rely on drugs as a means of coping with negative emotions?

·        Does the person believe that pain can't be coped with without medication?

·        Does the person obviously feel guilty about some aspect of their use of alcohol or other drugs?

·        Are there medical conditions which decrease tolerance or increase the risk of substance abuse problems?

·        Are there medical situations which are aggravated by repeated alcohol or other drug use?

·        Did the person ever suffer an accident or disability while under the influence, even if it is denied by the person?

·        Is the person underemployed or unemployed?

·        Has the person missed work or gone to work late due to use of alcohol or other drugs?

·        Does the person blame the drinking on work related problems?

·        Has a family member or friend expressed concern about the person's use?

·        Have important relationships been lost or impaired due to chemical use?

·        Has the person been in trouble with authorities or arrested for any alcohol or drug related offenses?

·        Have there been instances when the person could have been arrested but wasn't?

·        Does the person seem angry at "the system" and at authority figures in general?

·        Is the person's spending money easily accounted for?

·        Does the person frequently miss making payments when they are due?

·        Does the person appear angry or defensive but doesn't know why?

·        Is the person defensive or angry when confronted about chemical use?

·        Does increasing isolation suggest heavier substance abuse?

·        Is the person giving up or changing social and family activities in order to use?