This self-assessment is based on Step One of the Twelve Steps: "We admitted we were powerless over our addiction — that our lives had become unmanageable." Drawing on decades of recovery experience and established clinical criteria, this tool helps you explore:
Whether your use has become unmanageable
How substance use might be affecting different life areas
What your next steps could be
Your Privacy Matters
This assessment is completely confidential. No data is stored or sent anywhere. All calculations happen only on your device. You won't be tracked, and your responses are yours alone.
What to Expect
Time: 10–15 minutes Format: Five sections with reflection questions Responses: Simple 5-point scale from Never to Almost Always
⚠️ Important: This is not medical advice and cannot diagnose addiction or any medical condition. It's a reflective tool to help you understand your situation better. If you're in crisis or need immediate support, please contact the resources at the bottom of this page.
Patterns of Use
Let's explore how your substance use shows up in your daily life.
How often do you use your substance of choice?
When you use, do you end up using more than you intended?
Do you find yourself using in situations where you said you wouldn't (like before work, while driving, or alone)?
Have you needed to increase the amount or frequency to feel the same effect?
Do you use as a way to cope with stress, boredom, or uncomfortable emotions?
Loss of Control
These questions explore moments when your use felt beyond your control.
Have you tried to cut down or stop using but found you couldn't?
Do you spend a lot of time thinking about using or recovering from use?
Have you broken promises to yourself or others about your use?
Do you feel unable to stop or control your use, even when you want to?
When you're not using, do you feel anxious, irritable, or uncomfortable?
Impact on Life
Let's look at how substance use has affected different parts of your life.
Has substance use harmed or strained your relationships?
Has it affected your work, school, or responsibilities?
Has it impacted your physical health (sleep, energy, fitness, nutrition)?
Has it caused financial problems or used money you needed for essentials?
Have you experienced legal problems related to your use?
Has it affected your mental health (anxiety, depression, mood changes)?
Emotional & Psychological
How do you feel about your substance use?
Do you feel guilt or shame about your use?
Do you hide your use from others?
Do you feel like your substance use has become a bigger part of your identity or life than you'd like?
Do you use to escape from or numb difficult feelings?
The Six-Lens Reflection
These questions are based on the Six-Lens Framework for understanding recovery. Take your time with each one.
🧠 Identification & Denial: Do you recognise yourself in other people's stories of addiction?
💥 Powerlessness: Have you tried to control your use and failed?
🌪 Turning Point: Have you reached a point where you feel something needs to change?
🌄 Spiritual Experience: Have you felt moments of clarity about your situation?
🔁 Passing It On: Would you warn someone you love away from your patterns?
⚡ Resistance: Is there a part of you that wants to stop reading this right now?
Your Assessment Results
⚠️ Important: This is not a diagnosis. This assessment is based on Step One screening approaches and is meant to help you reflect on your substance use. Professional evaluation should always be pursued if you have concerns.
📌 Your result is a reflection tool, not a medical diagnosis. Whether your score is low or high, speaking with a healthcare provider or counsellor can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
Your Results by Section
Patterns of Use
Loss of Control
Impact on Life
Emotional & Psychological
Six-Lens Reflection
⚠️ Important: This assessment is not a diagnosis. Professional evaluation and treatment should always be pursued if you have concerns about your substance use.
