Family members and friends of a substance abuser can also use these
tests right now. Professional drug and alcohol counselors have numerous
addiction tests they use to determine if another has an addiction
problem. Tests can help you decide to take action before you've got
bigger problems that can't be avoided.
Addiction and drug and alcohol assessment abuse tests can help you find out despite the lying and denial.
I've spoken to about 10,000 people regarding drug treatment as a drug and alcohol rehab consultant. I've found several factors continue to come up in people who are addicted. Addicts display these characteristics despite any other story they have ready to give you.
The two tests I regularly use as an addiction consulting tool are the CAGE test and the CASH test. You may never have heard of the CASH test, although it seems obvious what it covers. I developed this as a telephone consultant over the years.
Simply answer 'Yes' to 3 of 4 of these letters in the C.A.G.E. acronym and you've got someone who is having problems with drug or alcohol abuse. These questions can be asked of both the user and to the friends and family about the user.
The CAGE test
For those who aren't yet convinced, I developed my own test that exposes the goods. I call it the CASH test.
The CASH test
Addiction and drug and alcohol assessment abuse tests can help you find out despite the lying and denial.
I've spoken to about 10,000 people regarding drug treatment as a drug and alcohol rehab consultant. I've found several factors continue to come up in people who are addicted. Addicts display these characteristics despite any other story they have ready to give you.
The two tests I regularly use as an addiction consulting tool are the CAGE test and the CASH test. You may never have heard of the CASH test, although it seems obvious what it covers. I developed this as a telephone consultant over the years.
Simply answer 'Yes' to 3 of 4 of these letters in the C.A.G.E. acronym and you've got someone who is having problems with drug or alcohol abuse. These questions can be asked of both the user and to the friends and family about the user.
The CAGE test
- (CAGE) Cut Down Has the person been trying to cut down? Do others suggest they should cut down on their usage? Partying, drugs and alcohol usually and quite frequently go together. People suggesting that the person cut down is an indicator of a drug or alcohol addiction.
- (CAGE) Annoyed Do the family members or the person using get annoyed by reminders they have or may have an addiction problem? This tells us drugs and alcohol have been regularly abused. The problem is trying to show itself.
- (CAGE) Guilty Are they feeling guilty about the consequences of their substance use? Do they feel they are using too much and shouldn't be. Do family and friends defend the person's use? If the person is lying to you about their use or you suspect this, follow your instinct. Just look and hear what is said and don't think on this one.
- (CAGE) Eye Opener Does a drug and alcohol assessment or drink start their day or get them going? Do they need a night cap? I've known many marijuana smokers who couldn't sleep without smoking a joint. Yep, they're dependent and may be addicted.
For those who aren't yet convinced, I developed my own test that exposes the goods. I call it the CASH test.
The CASH test
- (CASH) Cash How much money is being spent on drugs or alcohol? If someone else is buying, get the math done. It amazes both the user and the family how much value is being invested in an addiction. Get the person to really confront and look at how much money that stuff is costing.
- (CASH) Assets Assets can include time when they should be working or studying. However, assets mean how much financial investment has gone into the drug or alcohol usage? Include court costs, penalties, lost income, stolen goods and pawned valuables. You get the idea.
- (CASH) Spare Time Is the majority of the person's spare time involved in using? Are they always using in their off time? If the major part of their spare time is spent using or drinking, you can answer 'yes' to this question.
- (CASH) Health Are their health problems? If this question brings down the house, you don't need to assess further. A person with drug and alcohol assessment and alcohol problems rarely recuperate as their bodies or so busy fighting off the last dose of poison. How do they look?
