Drug Use Disorder Quiz
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Unable to withdraw from drug use
Withdrawal symptoms
Trembling fingers
Using drugs
Feel like using drugs everyday
Drugs help to block out thoughts
Need more drug than usual
Spending too much money on drugs
Drug use affects social or financial situation
Feeling guilty about drug use
Memory lapse due to drugs
Continue to use drugs despite symptoms
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Drug Use Disorder?
Substance use disorder is a disease that affects a person's brain and behavior, leading to an inability to control the use of legal or illegal drugs or medications. Substances like alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine are also considered drugs.
Typical Symptoms of Drug Use Disorder
- History of using narcotics or illegal drugs
- Thinking about stopping or cutting down on drug use
- Feelings of guilt or regret regarding drug use
- Unable to go without drugs for more than a week
- Have experienced withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, discomfort or tremors
- Use of drugs has caused memory loss or flashbacks
- Job or family relationships have been strained or affected by the use of drugs
- Still using drugs despite suffering physical or mental side-effects
Diagnostic Questions for Drug Use Disorder
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Have you ever used stimulants, narcotics, or other illegal drugs before?
- Have you considered reducing drug use?
- Do you feel guilty or regretful about using drugs?
- Are you unable to go without drugs for more than a week?
- Have you ever experienced withdrawal symptoms from drug use?
Treatment of Drug Use Disorder
Management of substance use disorder includes detoxification, behavioral therapy, and self-help groups. The goal of detoxification, also called "detox" or withdrawal therapy, is to stop the addictive drug as quickly and safely as possible.
Reviewed By:
Kenji Taylor, MD, MSc (Family Medicine, Primary Care)
Dr. Taylor is a Japanese-African American physician who grew up and was educated in the United States but spent a considerable amount of time in Japan as a college student, working professional and now father of three. After graduating from Brown, he worked in finance first before attending medical school at Penn. He then completed a fellowship with the Centers for Disease Control before going on to specialize in Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where he was also a chief resident. After a faculty position at Stanford, he moved with his family to Japan where he continues to see families on a military base outside of Tokyo, teach Japanese residents and serve remotely as a medical director for Roots Community Health Center. He also enjoys editing and writing podcast summaries for Hippo Education.
Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)
Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.
Content updated on Feb 3, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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With a free 3-min Drug Use Disorder quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
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✔︎ What causes your symptoms
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Crushing sense of guilt when I think about drug addiction
- Need to use drugs at least once a week
- Excessive sweating
- Feeling nauseous without drugs
- Shaking hands
- Addicted to drugs but can't stop for more than a few days
- Social withdrawal
- Experiencing diarrhea after pausing drug use
- Money problems
- Can't go cold-turkey for a week
- Skipping school
- Pill addiction
- Drug abuse with withdrawal symptoms
- Changes in behavior
- Avoiding friends
See full list
Symptoms Related to Drug Use Disorder
Diseases Related to Drug Use Disorder
FAQs
Q.
Can over-the-counter painkillers affect prescription drugs?
A.
Yes, over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can affect how prescription drugs work in your body. It's important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining them. See below to understand more.
References:
Toes MJ, Jones AL, & Prescott L. (2005). Drug interactions with paracetamol. American journal of therapeutics, 15662293.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15662293/
Dart RC. (2001). The use and effect of analgesics in patients who regularly .... The American journal of managed care, 11776482.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11776482/
Barkin RL. (2001). Acetaminophen, aspirin, or Ibuprofen in combination .... American journal of therapeutics, 11704782.
Q.
How can I organize multiple medications safely?
A.
To organize multiple medications safely, using a pillbox can help keep track of when to take each pill, making it easier to remember and reducing the chance of mistakes. See below to understand more.
References:
Wolf MS, Curtis LM, Waite K, Bailey SC, Hedlund LA, Davis TC, et al. (2011). Helping patients simplify and safely use complex .... Archives of internal medicine, 21357804.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21357804/
Schwartz JK. (2017). Pillbox use, satisfaction, and effectiveness among persons .... Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNA, 27689861.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27689861/
Genelin MP, Helmkamp LJ, Steiner JF, Maertens JA, Hanratty R, Vupputuri S, et al. (2023). Patient Pill Organization Strategies and Adherence .... Patient preference and adherence, 36992865.
Q.
How to safely dispose of expired medications?
A.
The safest way to dispose of expired medications is to use drug take-back programs or special disposal products available for home use. See below to understand more.
References:
Haughey CW, Lawson D, Roberts K, Santos M, & Spinosa S. (2019). Safe Medication Disposal. Home healthcare now, 30829787.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30829787/
Yanovitzky I. (2016). Evaluation of a Drug Take-Back and Disposal Campaign. Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs, 27340957.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27340957/
Imarhia F, Varisco TJ, Wanat MA, & Thornton JD. (2020). Prescription drug disposal: Products available for home use. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA, 32067882.
Q.
What is "polypharmacy"?
A.
Polypharmacy is when someone takes many different medicines at the same time, which can sometimes lead to problems. See below to understand more.
References:
Halli-Tierney AD, Scarbrough C, & Carroll D. (2019). Polypharmacy: Evaluating Risks and Deprescribing. American family physician, 31259501.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31259501/
Masnoon N, Shakib S, Kalisch-Ellett L, & Caughey GE. (2017). What is polypharmacy? A systematic review of definitions. BMC geriatrics, 29017448.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29017448/
Guillot J, Maumus-Robert S, & Bezin J. (2020). Polypharmacy: A general review of definitions, descriptions .... Therapie, 31732240.
Q.
What is the danger of sharing medications?
A.
Sharing medications can be dangerous because it may lead to incorrect use, harmful side effects, or allergic reactions. See below to understand more.
References:
Dawson S, Johnson H, Huntley AL, Turner KM, & McCahon D. (2024). Understanding non-recreational prescription medication- .... The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 38373852.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38373852/
Ellis J, & Mullan J. (2009). Prescription medication borrowing and sharing--risk factors .... Australian family physician, 19893823.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19893823/
Goldsworthy RC, Schwartz NC, & Mayhorn CB. (2008). framing the impact of prescription-medication sharing. American journal of public health, 18445792.
Q.
What happens if I miss an antibiotic dose?
A.
If you miss an antibiotic dose, it can affect how well the medicine works. It's important to take antibiotics as prescribed to help your body fight the infection. Let's see what you can do if that happens.
References:
Tung HR, & Lawley SD. (2025). How Missed Doses of Antibiotics Affect Bacteria Growth .... Bulletin of mathematical biology, 40153101.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40153101/
Urquhart J. (1992). Ascertaining how much compliance is enough with .... Postgraduate medical journal, 1287619.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1287619/
Carral N, Lukas JC, Estradé O, Jauregizar N, Morillas H, & Suárez E. (2023). Non-Adherence in Adult Male Patients with Community .... Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland), 37237741.
Q.
Can painkillers cause kidney damage?
A.
Yes, certain painkillers, especially when used frequently or in combination, can cause kidney damage. See below to understand more.
References:
Duggin GG. (1996). Combination analgesic-induced kidney disease. American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation, 8669429.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8669429/
Sandler DP, Smith JC, Weinberg CR, Buckalew VM Jr, Dennis VW, Blythe WB, & Burgess WP. (1989). Analgesic use and chronic renal disease. The New England journal of medicine, 2651928.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2651928/
Sriperumbuduri S, & Hiremath S. (2019). NSAIDs in chronic kidney disease. Current opinion in nephrology and hypertension, 30531470.
Q.
Is it dangerous to take painkillers every day?
A.
Taking painkillers every day can be dangerous because it may lead to side effects or health problems, especially with opioids, paracetamol, and NSAIDs. See below to understand more.
References:
Benyamin R, Trescot AM, Datta S, Buenaventura R, Adlaka R, Sehgal N, et al. (2008). Opioid complications and side effects. Pain physician, 18443635.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18443635/
McCrae JC, Morrison EE, MacIntyre IM, Dear JW, & Webb DJ. (2018). Long-term adverse effects of paracetamol - a review. British journal of clinical pharmacology, 29863746.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29863746/
Smolinske SC, Hall AH, Vandenberg SA, Spoerke DG, & McBride PV. (1990). Toxic effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in .... Drug safety, 2198051.
Q.
What happens if I accidentally take too much Tylenol?
A.
Taking too much Tylenol can be dangerous and may cause liver damage. If you think you have taken too much, seek medical help right away. See below to understand more.
References:
Rumack BH. (1983). Acetaminophen overdose. The American journal of medicine, 6359859.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6359859/
Chiew AL, & Buckley NA. (2021). Acetaminophen Poisoning. Critical care clinics, 34053705.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34053705/
Salgia AD, & Kosnik SD. (1999). When Acetaminophen Use Becomes Toxic. Treating Acute .... Postgraduate medicine, 10223088.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Volkow ND, Blanco C. Substance use disorders: a comprehensive update of classification, epidemiology, neurobiology, clinical aspects, treatment and prevention. World Psychiatry. 2023 Jun;22(2):203-229. doi: 10.1002/wps.21073. PMID: 37159360; PMCID: PMC10168177.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10168177/Schulden JD, Thomas YF, Compton WM. Substance abuse in the United States: findings from recent epidemiologic studies. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2009 Oct;11(5):353-9. doi: 10.1007/s11920-009-0053-6. PMID: 19785975; PMCID: PMC3144502.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3144502/