Self Assessment: Prescription Drug Abuse
This self-assessment is designed to help you identify key indicators of prescription drug abuse and raise awareness about negative, escalatory or cyclical patterns. It is not intended as a clinical diagnostic tool.
Do I have a Problem with Prescription Drug Abuse?
When we’re misusing prescription drugs it means we’re using medications in a way other than the way they were originally prescribed, or to a much greater extent. We come to depend on the drugs to feel better in some way and can experience cravings for them in between doses.
Usage of prescription medicine often starts out as justifiable, necessary and important to improving quality of life or managing pain, making it all too easy to excuse ongoing use. Indeed, the underlying physical pain or emotional conditions which make medication necessary can remain, even as the use of such medication slips into addiction and dependence.
It can be difficult to admit that a medication which has a history of assisting your quality of life or helping you cope has now become a problem, and it can be scary to imagine life without a drug you feel reliant on.
As you read each of the following statements, take your time to think about the answer before selecting the response which feels right. Only you will see the results of this test, so take this as an opportunity to be completely honest with yourself. Remember, denial and minimisation of issues is a symptom of prescription medication abuse.
If you’d rather undertake a free, confidential, tailored assessment over the phone — or would like to discuss your results — our team is available seven days a week on 1800 063 332 or contact us here.
All responses are protected by patient confidentiality. Your answers to individual questions will not be stored or saved.
