Drug Use, Abuse, and Addiction: Focus on Alcohol
by Elaine Cassel, Lord Fairfax Community College
© 1998, Peregrine Publishers, Inc., All Rights Reserved
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Introduction

We all have habits that we just can't seem to break. How can you tell when a habit becomes an addiction? Addiction is another term for substance dependence, which psychologists define as the consistent, serious, and pronounced abuse of a substance to the point of physical dependence. To understand addiction better, try taking this quiz about some substance you use on a regular basis. Ready? For each question, choose yes or no.

Yes No
1. Do you use this substance weekly?
2. Do you use it daily?
3. Do you use it at the same time each week?
4. Do you use it at the same time each day?
5. After using it, do you feel different physically (more awake, relaxed, happy, or different in another way)?
6. Do you dislike the way you feel when you can't use the substance when you want it?

Your Quiz Results

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