• Does the person in question spend a great deal of time searching for and using the substance? Once the effect of the drug has worn off, does the cycle of finding   and using begin again within a short amount of time?

• Has the person abandoned activities that were once important? Do they no longer spend time with old friends or family? Do they no longer take part in sports or recreational activities that they used to enjoy?

• Has the person been consuming the substance for a significant length of time?

• Has the quantity that they consume increased over time? Do they now need more of the substance in order to feel its effects than when they first started using?

• Is their compulsion to take the substance seemingly uncontrollable? Does the substance seem to run their life?

• Is their mood noticeably different when they are taking the drug versus when they are not? For instance, do they seem depressed or moody when they’ve gone without the substance for a period of time?

• Have they unsuccessfully tried to quit?

• Do they experience withdrawal symptoms like nausea or sleeplessness when the substance is not in their system? Are the symptoms relieved as soon as the substance is consumed again?

• Do they continue to consume the substance, despite knowing that it is hurting them or their loved ones?

•  Do they avoid those who show concern for them, or who may try to get them to quit?