Opioid Risk Tool

Quick self-check to spot risks around prescription or illicit opioid use.
This tool is private, anonymous, and takes about 3 minutes. It is not a diagnosis. If you’re in crisis or worried about overdose, call 911 now.

How it works

• Answer each question honestly based on the past 90 days unless noted.
  
• Use these choices: Never (0), Rarely (1), Sometimes (2), Often (3).
  
• Add your points. Compare your total to the ranges below.

   

Questions

1. Have you taken opioids more often or in larger amounts than prescribed?
   Never 0 | Rarely 1 | Sometimes 2 | Often 3

    

2. Have you mixed opioids with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or sleep meds to “feel it more”?
   Never 0 | Rarely 1 | Sometimes 2 | Often 3

    

3. Do you run out of medication early or borrow pills from others?
   Never 0 | Rarely 1 | Sometimes 2 | Often 3

    

4. Have you used opioids to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms?
   Never 0 | Rarely 1 | Sometimes 2 | Often 3

    

5. Have you felt strong cravings or urges for opioids?
   Never 0 | Rarely 1 | Sometimes 2 | Often 3

    

6. Have opioids caused problems at work, school, home, or with relationships?
   Never 0 | Rarely 1 | Sometimes 2 | Often 3

    

7. Have you continued using despite causing health problems, injuries, or warnings from a doctor?
   Never 0 | Rarely 1 | Sometimes 2 | Often 3

    

8. Have you driven or done risky activities while using or feeling the after-effects?
   Never 0 | Rarely 1 | Sometimes 2 | Often 3

    

9. Have you had withdrawal symptoms (e.g., nausea, sweating, anxiety, body aches) when cutting back or missing doses?
   Never 0 | Rarely 1 | Sometimes 2 | Often 3

    

10. Have you needed higher doses over time to get the same effect?
    Never 0 | Rarely 1 | Sometimes 2 | Often 3

     

11. Personal history: Have you ever been diagnosed with a substance use disorder or had problems with alcohol or other drugs? (lifetime)
    Never 0 | Rarely 1 | Sometimes 2 | Often 3

     

12. Mental health and pain: Do PTSD, chronic pain, or depression make it harder to cut down?
    Never 0 | Rarely 1 | Sometimes 2 | Often 3

     

Optional Veterans & Service Members Check

     13. As a veteran or service member, have combat injuries, sleep issues, or traumatic stress increased your opioid use?
          Never 0 | Rarely 1 | Sometimes 2 | Often 3

         Tip: If #13 doesn’t apply, skip it.

Red-flag items

If you answer Often (3) to Q2 (mixing with alcohol/benzos) or you’ve had a recent overdose, treat your overall risk as High, even if your total score seems lower.

Scoring

• 0–7 points: Low risk
  Your answers suggest a lower current risk. Keep meds locked, avoid mixing with alcohol/benzos, and talk with your prescriber about non-opioid pain options if possible.

   

• 8–19 points: Moderate risk
  You’re reporting warning signs like cravings, early refills, or withdrawal. A brief consult with a clinician can help you stabilize and plan next steps.

   

• 20+ points (or any red flag): High risk
  You’re reporting multiple risks. Evidence-based support works. Medications for opioid use disorder (like buprenorphine), therapy, and supportive outpatient care can help you feel better fast and stay safer.

   

What to do next

At Sober First Recovery, we help you move from risk to relief.

• Same-day assessments when available

   

• Veterans welcome; TRICARE accepted

   

• Evening IOP options to fit work or school

   

• Trauma-informed counseling for PTSD, anxiety, and depression

   

• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with close medical monitoring

   

• Family support and relapse-prevention planning

   

Call Sober First Recovery to talk confidentially with our team, check insurance, or schedule a quick assessment.

Safety and privacy

• This tool is informational, not medical advice or a diagnosis.

   

• If you’re pregnant, mixing substances, or feel at risk of overdose, seek urgent care now.