Home›Calculators›Health›Addiction Calculator

Addiction Calculator

Health

Score a simplified 6-question self-check about substance use consequences. A quick self-reflection tool, not a diagnosis of substance use disorder.

Reviewed by the thecalcu.com team · Last updated July 31, 2026

Total Score

0

This calculator computes your Total Score from the values you enter.

Inputs
Used more of the substance, or for longer, than intendedWanted to cut down but couldn'tExperienced strong cravings or urgesUse affected work, school, or home responsibilitiesContinued use despite it causing problemsNeeded more of the substance to get the same effect
Outputs
Total Score

What is a Addiction Self-Check?

The Addiction Calculator scores six common questions about substance use patterns and consequences, giving a simple self-reflection score from 0 to 6. It's a general self-check tool, not a diagnostic instrument for any specific substance use disorder.

This is a self-reflection tool, not a diagnosis. If you're concerned about your own or someone else's substance use, please talk to a doctor, counselor, or addiction specialist. See also the CAGE Questionnaire Calculator for a related validated alcohol screening tool.

Why Use an Addiction Calculator?

Sometimes it's hard to step back and honestly assess patterns in substance use. This calculator structures that reflection around six commonly recognized behavioral patterns, giving a quick, private way to organize your thoughts before a conversation with a healthcare professional if needed.

Who Should Use This Calculator?

  • Anyone doing a private self-check-in on their substance use patterns.
  • People preparing to talk to a healthcare provider about substance use concerns.
  • Students of psychology or addiction studies learning about common substance use behavior patterns.
  • Friends and family members wanting to understand what kinds of patterns are worth discussing.

What Insights Does the Addiction Calculator Give You?

The Total Score (0-6) is the sole output, reflecting how many of the six common substance use patterns apply to you. This calculator does not provide a clinical interpretation, any concerns about your score should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

How to use this Addiction Self-Check calculator

  1. Answer each of the six yes/no questions honestly, based on your own experience.
  2. Read your Total Score instantly.
  3. Use the result as a prompt for reflection or as a conversation starter with a healthcare professional, not as a standalone diagnosis.
Show formula & methodology ↓Show less ↑

Formula & Methodology

Each of the six questions contributes 1 point if answered "Yes":

Total Score = Sum of all 6 yes/no answers (range: 0-6)

Worked example, answering "Yes" to cravings, continued use despite problems, and increased tolerance, "No" to the rest:

Total Score = 0 + 0 + 1 + 0 + 1 + 1 = 3

As with any self-check tool, interpretation and next steps are best discussed with a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Addiction Calculator?
The Addiction Calculator scores six common questions about substance use consequences, like using more than intended, cravings, and continued use despite problems, giving a simple self-reflection score. It's a general self-check tool, not a diagnostic instrument.
Is this the same as a clinical addiction diagnosis?
Actual substance use disorder diagnosis requires a comprehensive clinical evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional using established diagnostic criteria, not a short self-report questionnaire.
How is the score calculated?
Each of the six yes/no questions contributes 1 point if answered 'yes', and the six points are summed for a total score from 0 to 6.
What questions does this calculator ask about?
The six questions cover common patterns associated with problematic substance use: using more than intended, difficulty cutting down, cravings, impact on responsibilities, continued use despite problems, and increased tolerance.
What should I do if my score is high?
Consider talking to a doctor, counselor, or addiction specialist about your substance use patterns, this calculator is designed to prompt that conversation, not replace professional evaluation and support.
Can this calculator be used for any substance?
Yes, the six questions are written generally enough to apply to alcohol, drugs, or other substances, since these patterns of use are common across many types of substance-related concerns.
Is my answer data stored anywhere?
No, this calculator runs entirely in your browser and does not transmit, store, or share your answers anywhere.
How is this different from the CAGE Questionnaire Calculator?
The [CAGE Questionnaire Calculator](/cage-questionnaire-calculator/) is a specific, validated 4-question alcohol screening tool, while this calculator is a more general 6-question self-reflection tool covering broader substance use patterns.
Where can I find help for substance use concerns?
Local health services, addiction helplines, and primary care doctors are all good starting points for anyone concerned about their own or someone else's substance use, professional support is available and can make a significant difference.
Should family members use this calculator to assess someone else?
This calculator is designed for self-reflection by the person answering the questions; assessing someone else's substance use is better addressed by encouraging that person to speak with a healthcare professional directly, rather than scoring them via a third-party self-report tool.
Also known as
addiction self check calculatorsubstance use screeningaddiction score calculatoram I addicted quiz