This guide is based on the 29 questions from Narcotics Anonymous (NA) designed for self-reflection. It’s here to help you honestly look at your drug use and its impact on your life.
How to Use This
Read each question carefully.
Check Yes or No.
Be honest with yourself — this is for you only.
There’s no pass or fail; it’s about self-awareness, not judgment.
Important: This tool is not a medical diagnosis. If you have concerns about your health or safety, please seek professional medical advice. Recovery guidance may vary depending on your country and local regulations.
What This Is Really About
Self-reflection, not judgment
Only you can decide if your drug use is a problem. These questions are a tool to help you think honestly about how drugs affect your life.
Addiction is loss of control
Even if using started as a choice or a way to cope, addiction can take over your brain and behaviors. It’s not a weakness — it’s a progressive condition that can hijack decision-making.
Move from shame to action
Being honest with yourself is the first step to recovery. NA reminds us: the illness isn’t you — recovery begins when you take small, positive steps to regain control.
Three Core Truths from NA
You are powerless over addiction — your life has become unmanageable.
You didn’t cause the disease, but you are responsible for your recovery.
Blaming others won’t fix everything — facing your feelings and choices is part of healing.
Connection Helps
Recovery isn’t meant to be done alone. Sharing with others, attending meetings, and getting support from people who understand is a powerful part of healing. NA calls this:
“one addict helping another.”
Reflection Questions
After completing the 29 questions, ask yourself:
Which questions were hard to answer honestly?
What does “unmanageable” look like in your life right now?
What’s one small positive action you could take today?
The 29 Questions
Question | Yes | No |
1. Do you ever use alone? | ☐ | ☐ |
2. Have you ever substituted one drug for another, thinking that one drug was the problem? | ☐ | ☐ |
3. Have you ever lied or manipulated a doctor to get prescription drugs? | ☐ | ☐ |
4. Have you ever stolen drugs or stolen to get drugs? | ☐ | ☐ |
5. Do you regularly use drugs when you wake up or before bed? | ☐ | ☐ |
6. Have you ever taken one drug to counteract another? | ☐ | ☐ |
7. Do you avoid people or places that don’t approve of your drug use? | ☐ | ☐ |
8. Have you ever used a drug without knowing what it was or what it would do? | ☐ | ☐ |
9. Has your work or school performance suffered because of your drug use? | ☐ | ☐ |
10. Have you ever been arrested because of your drug use? | ☐ | ☐ |
11. Have you ever lied about what or how much you use? | ☐ | ☐ |
12. Do you spend money on drugs before meeting financial responsibilities? | ☐ | ☐ |
13. Have you ever tried to stop or control your use? | ☐ | ☐ |
14. Have you ever been in jail, a hospital, or rehab because of drug use? | ☐ | ☐ |
15. Does using interfere with your sleep or eating? | ☐ | ☐ |
16. Does the thought of running out of drugs scare you? | ☐ | ☐ |
17. Do you feel like you can’t live without drugs? | ☐ | ☐ |
18. Do you ever question your own sanity? | ☐ | ☐ |
19. Is your drug use making life at home unhappy? | ☐ | ☐ |
20. Have you felt you can’t have fun or fit in without drugs? | ☐ | ☐ |
21. Have you felt guilty, defensive, or ashamed about your use? | ☐ | ☐ |
22. Do you think a lot about drugs? | ☐ | ☐ |
23. Have you had irrational or unexplained fears? | ☐ | ☐ |
24. Has drug use affected your sexual relationships? | ☐ | ☐ |
25. Have you ever taken drugs you didn’t prefer? | ☐ | ☐ |
26. Have you used drugs because of emotional pain or stress? | ☐ | ☐ |
27. Have you ever overdosed on drugs? | ☐ | ☐ |
28. Do you keep using despite negative consequences? | ☐ | ☐ |
29. Do you think you might have a drug problem? | ☐ | ☐ |
Next Steps & Recovery Tools
Recovery is possible. Here are some ways to get started:
Explore NA Resources
Join Sober Sidekick Groups
Learn About Addiction & Recovery
Find Professional Support
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and self-reflection purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical or mental health advice. Always consult a licensed professional if you have questions about your health or safety.