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Self-assessing addiction and the criteria for mild, moderate, and severe substance abuse
If you're concerned about addiction, here are 11 questions to self-assess: difficulty controlling usage, unsuccessful attempts to cut down, spending significant time using or recovering, negative effects at home/work/school, negative impact on social life, continuing to use despite consequences, prioritizing drug use over responsibilities, strong cravings, increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and dangerous situations. Two or three 'yes' answers indicate mild substance abuse, four or five indicate moderate, and six or more indicate severe. Remember to consult a physician for accurate diagnosis. Addiction is different from positive habits, as it becomes compulsive, out of control, and harmful. It's possible to be addicted even to healthy behaviors like exercise. Addicted exercise involves compulsive engagement despite injuries and negative impact on family life.