Finally acknowledging that you have a problem can be the most challenging and the yet the most rewarding step in your recovery process. How can a problem be addressed unless there is recognition of that problem? The following questions can assist you in identifying if a problem exists, and if it indeed does, the extent of that problem:

• Have you ever lied or been dishonest about your drug and/or alcohol usage?​

• Have you ever experienced shame or guilt around your drug and/or alcohol usage?

• Has the use of drugs and/or alcohol negatively affected your work and/or education?

• Has the use of drugs and/or alcohol negatively affected your relationship with friends, family and colleagues?

• Have any loved ones voiced concerns about your drug and/or alcohol usage?

• Have you ever misused drugs prescribed by a doctor?

• Do you find yourself using drugs and/or alcohol more when you are feeling negative emotions such as anxiety, depression or anger?

• Have you ever mixed different classes of drugs or mixed drugs with alcohol?

• Have you ever unsuccessfully attempted to stop or control your drug and/or alcohol usage?

• Have drugs and/or alcohol ever been the cause of you abandoning hobbies or interests that you usually partake in? 

• Have you ever lost consciousness or failed to remember certain events as a result of drugs and/or alcohol?

• Have you ever compromised either your own safety, or the safety of somebody else as a result of using drugs and/or alcohol?