Am I using substances to cope?

This quiz is for people who may not see themselves as having an addiction but have noticed they rely on alcohol or drugs to get through hard feelings. If most of your answers leaned toward yes, you may be using substances to cope with anxiety, depression, grief, or stress. This pattern is sometimes called self-medicating.

Using to cope can work in the short term, which is part of what makes it hard to change. Over time, the relief tends to fade and the emotions you were numbing often get stronger. Your results are not a diagnosis, but they can show you where to look next.

Feeling worse emotionally in the days after using is another common sign. Alcohol and many drugs disrupt sleep and mood after their effects wear off, which can set up a cycle of using again for relief. When a hard period such as a loss or long stretch of stress lines up with a rise in use, treatment usually works on both at once.

Noticing the pattern is a useful first step. These next steps can help you understand what is going on and what kind of support fits.

• Talk with a clinician. An assessment can look at both your substance use and the feelings behind it. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both together.
• Address what is underneath. If worry or panic drives your use, anxiety treatment can give you other ways to manage it. If a loss started the pattern, grief counseling can help.
• Cut back safely. Stopping alcohol or sedatives suddenly can cause dangerous withdrawal. If medical detox is needed first, our team helps coordinate it.
• Build other outlets. Exercise, routine, and time with supportive people can ease the pull toward using while you work on the larger pattern.

You can also take our dual diagnosis quiz to look at mental health symptoms more closely. To talk with our team, verify your insurance or call (470) 470-5697.

Is self-medicating with alcohol a sign of addiction?

Not always, but it is a warning sign. Drinking to manage anxiety, sadness, or stress can lead to tolerance and dependence over time, and it often makes the original symptoms worse. A clinician looks at how much and how often you drink, whether you have tried to cut back, and how drinking affects your life to decide whether an alcohol use disorder is present.

Can I get help if I do not think I am an addict?

Yes. You do not need to accept a label to get support. Many people start treatment simply because they are worried about how they cope with hard feelings. Outpatient programs and therapy can address both the emotions and the substance use, at a level of structure that fits your situation. An assessment is a conversation about what is happening and what might help.

What should I do if I cannot cut back on my own?

Trouble cutting back is useful information, and it is a good reason to talk with a professional. Be honest about what you use and how often, since some substances can cause serious withdrawal if stopped suddenly. A clinician can recommend a safe plan, which may include medical support at first and then outpatient therapy to address the reasons behind your use.