Addiction Risk Calculator - Substance Use Disorder Assessment & Recovery Guide

Severity Levels Based on Criteria Met:

• Mild: 2-3 criteria - Early stage with some functional impairment
• Moderate: 4-5 criteria - Significant impairment requiring treatment
• Severe: 6+ criteria - Substantial impairment requiring intensive treatment

Genetic Factors (40-60% of addiction risk)

• Family History: Having biological relatives with addiction significantly increases risk
• Genetic Variants: Specific genes affect drug metabolism and brain response
• Epigenetic Changes: Environmental factors can turn addiction-related genes on or off
• Gender Differences: Men and women may have different genetic vulnerabilities

Environmental Risk Factors

• Early Exposure: Use before age 18 dramatically increases addiction risk
• Trauma and Stress: Childhood trauma, PTSD, and chronic stress increase vulnerability
• Peer Influence: Social circles that normalize substance use
• Availability: Easy access to substances in community or workplace
• Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, lack of opportunity, and social disadvantage

Mental Health Co-occurring Disorders

• Depression and Anxiety: Most common co-occurring mental health conditions
• PTSD: Trauma-related disorders strongly linked to substance use
• ADHD: Increases risk, especially when untreated
• Personality Disorders: Particularly antisocial and borderline personality disorders

Alcohol

The most commonly used addictive substance. Alcohol use disorder affects millions worldwide and can range from mild to severe. Long-term alcohol abuse can cause liver disease, brain damage, and increased risk of accidents and violence. Withdrawal can be life-threatening and requires medical supervision.

Opioids

Include prescription pain relievers (oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine), synthetic opioids (fentanyl), and illegal drugs (heroin). The opioid crisis has led to hundreds of thousands of overdose deaths. These substances are highly addictive and carry significant overdose risk, especially when combined with other depressants.

Stimulants

Include cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin). These substances increase alertness and energy but can cause cardiovascular problems, psychosis, and severe psychological dependence. Withdrawal typically involves depression and fatigue.

Cannabis

While often perceived as harmless, cannabis can be addictive, especially with high-THC products. Cannabis use disorder affects about 30% of users and can impair memory, learning, and motivation. Early and heavy use increases addiction risk and may impact brain development.

Behavioral Therapies

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps patients recognize and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors. Contingency Management provides incentives for positive behaviors. Motivational Interviewing helps resolve ambivalence about treatment and recovery. These therapies can be delivered individually or in groups and are effective for all types of substance use disorders.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. For opioid addiction: methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. For alcohol: naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. For nicotine: nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, and varenicline. MAT has been shown to improve treatment retention and reduce overdose deaths.

Levels of Care

Treatment intensity should match the severity of addiction. Options include outpatient counseling, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), residential treatment, and medically supervised detoxification. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria help determine appropriate level of care based on multiple dimensions of patient needs.

Support Groups and Peer Recovery

12-step programs (AA, NA, CA), SMART Recovery, LifeRing, and other mutual aid groups provide ongoing support and accountability. Peer recovery specialists who have lived experience with addiction can provide unique support and hope. These programs are often free and widely available, making them accessible recovery resources.

Stages of Change Model

Recovery typically follows predictable stages: Precontemplation (not ready to change), Contemplation (considering change), Preparation (planning to change), Action (actively making changes), and Maintenance (sustaining changes). Understanding these stages helps tailor treatment approaches and set realistic expectations for progress.

Early Recovery Challenges

The first 90 days are critical, with highest risk of relapse. Common challenges include physical withdrawal symptoms, psychological cravings, mood instability, sleep problems, and social isolation. Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) can persist for months, causing ongoing cognitive and emotional difficulties that require patience and support.

Relapse Prevention

Relapse rates for addiction are similar to other chronic diseases (40-60%). Key prevention strategies include identifying triggers, developing coping skills, building sober support networks, maintaining treatment engagement, and creating structured daily routines. Relapse should be viewed as a learning opportunity rather than failure.

Long-term Recovery

Sustained recovery involves rebuilding all areas of life: physical health, relationships, career, finances, and spiritual well-being. Many people find meaning in helping others in recovery. Research shows that recovery rates increase significantly with longer periods of abstinence and continued engagement in recovery activities.

Adolescents and Young Adults

• Brain Development: Adolescent brains are more vulnerable to addiction
• Family Involvement: Treatment often requires family therapy and support
• School Integration: Coordinating treatment with educational goals
• Peer Influence: Addressing social pressures and building healthy relationships

Women and Pregnancy

• Trauma-Informed Care: Addressing high rates of trauma and abuse
• Childcare Support: Providing services that accommodate parenting responsibilities
• Prenatal Care: Specialized treatment for pregnant women to protect maternal and fetal health
• Mental Health: Addressing higher rates of depression and anxiety

Older Adults

• Prescription Drug Misuse: Higher rates of medication-related problems
• Medical Complications: Substance use interactions with age-related health conditions
• Social Isolation: Addressing loneliness and loss of social connections
• Cognitive Changes: Adapting treatment for age-related cognitive changes

LGBTQ+ Individuals

• Minority Stress: Addressing discrimination and stigma-related trauma
• Affirming Care: Providing culturally competent and inclusive treatment
• Community Support: Connecting with LGBTQ+-specific recovery resources
• Co-occurring Issues: Higher rates of mental health conditions and suicidality