• Have you ever decided to stop using a substance for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?

 

• Do you wish people would mind their own business about your substance use-stop telling you what to do?

 

• Have you ever switched from one kind of substance to another in the hope this would change your outcome while under the influence?

 

• Have you had to use a substance upon awaking during the past year?

 

• Do you envy people who can use without getting into trouble?

 

• Have you had problems connected with your substance use during the past year?

 

• Has your substance use caused trouble at home?

 

• Do you ever use before going certain places because you think maybe the substance use will not be acceptable or that others at the gathering "just can't party as well as you do?" Have you ever left a gathering to use the substance or to get more of the substance because there just wasn't enough available?

 

• Do you tell yourself you can stop at any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk or high when you don't mean to?

 

• Have you missed days of work or school because of substance use?

 

• Do you have "blackouts"?

 

• Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not/had not used a substance?

 

If you answered yes to four or more you may have a problem with a substance, but remember the answer is only as valid as you were honest when you answered the questions. If you feel you may have a problem with a substance YFS wants you to know there is help available. There is hope for recovery. It is possible to recover from even severe substance abuse disorders. Understand you have disease, not a moral failing, you are not stupid or dumb, or many of the other things you may have been told by others or by your own inner voice. You have a disease from which, with help outside yourself, you can address & recovery is very possible.