Are you addicted? Use the American Psychiatric Association's assessment test to find out.

The following seven questions are those used by the American Psychiatric Association to determine whether a dependence to drugs or alcohol is present. Answer the following questions honestly, and if you answer yes to three or more, then you are very likely addicted to either drugs or alcohol.

The American Psychiatric association uses 7 criteria for the assessment of dependence, and people who can claim any three of the following seven criteria during a 12 month period are classified as dependent on a drug.

1. Has your drug or alcohol use led to an increase in tolerance? Does it take more of the drug to achieve the same effect?
2. Do you experience any withdrawal symptoms from a discontinuation of use, or do you use any substance that minimizes the effects of withdrawal (ex. Alcoholics may use benzo's to lessen withdrawal symptoms)
3. Do you ever use more of the drug, or use the drug more frequently than you had intended to? For example, do you ever go out for a single drink, knowing you have important work in the morning, and end up having ten drinks? This is classified as a loss of control.
4. Have you tried and failed to cut down on your substance use?
5. Do you spend a lot of time using, thinking about using, or recovering from your use? This is considered to be a preoccupation with the drug.
6. Has your substance use caused you to stop doing worthwhile or enjoyable activities?
7. Have you continued to use even in the face of adverse health or social consequences?

If you have answered yes to three or more of these assessment questions, then according the American Psychiatric Associations' classification system, you are addicted.

Dependence to drugs or alcohol is not something to ashamed of, and there are millions of Americans currently addicted to some form of drug or alcohol. Addiction doesn't make you a bad person, but it does mean that you need to take action, and that you may need to get professional help and support to break free from your dependence.