Dual Diagnosis Self-Test | Co-Occurring Disorder Assessment | California Care Recovery
Free Confidential Assessment
Dual Diagnosis & Co-Occurring Disorder Self-Test
This confidential self-assessment is designed to help you recognize patterns commonly associated with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. It takes approximately 3 minutes to complete.
Important: This self-test is a screening tool only — it is not a clinical diagnosis. Results are intended to help you reflect on your experiences and decide whether to seek a professional evaluation. If you are in crisis, please call 988 or (949) 281-7823 immediately.
Your ProgressQuestion 1 of 10
Question 1 of 10Substance Use Patterns
Do you use alcohol, drugs, or medications specifically to manage difficult emotions — such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, or trauma-related distress?
This includes using substances to "take the edge off," calm down, sleep, or feel less emotionally overwhelmed.
Question 2 of 10Mental Health
Do you experience depression, anxiety, mood swings, racing thoughts, or feelings of hopelessness even during periods when you are not using substances?
These symptoms occurring independently of substance use is a key indicator that a separate mental health condition may be present.
Question 3 of 10Co-Occurrence Patterns
Does your substance use consistently get worse during periods of high emotional stress, depression, anxiety, or mental health episodes?
A pattern of escalating use during mental health episodes strongly suggests the two conditions are connected and influencing each other.
Question 4 of 10Treatment History
Have you previously sought treatment for mental health or substance use, but found lasting recovery difficult to maintain?
When only one co-occurring condition is treated, the untreated condition often drives relapse — making lasting recovery feel out of reach.
Question 5 of 10Substance Use Patterns
Do you find it genuinely difficult or impossible to stop using substances — even when you sincerely want to and have made attempts to do so?
Compulsive use despite wanting to stop is a hallmark of substance use disorder, which often co-occurs with an unaddressed mental health condition.
Question 6 of 10Trauma History
Have you experienced significant trauma, abuse, loss, or adverse life events that you still struggle with emotionally — or that affect how you feel on a regular basis?
Unresolved trauma is one of the most common underlying drivers of both substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Question 7 of 10Mental Health
Do you experience intense, difficult-to-control emotional reactions — such as sudden rage, panic, extreme sadness, or emotional numbness — that feel out of proportion to the situation?
Emotional dysregulation is a common feature of many mental health conditions that co-occur with substance use, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and BPD.
Question 8 of 10Daily Functioning
Do you find it difficult or impossible to manage daily responsibilities — such as work, relationships, or basic self-care — without the use of alcohol or other substances?
When substances become necessary for basic functioning, this typically indicates both a substance use disorder and an underlying condition that substances are being used to manage.
Question 9 of 10Family History
Do you have first-degree relatives (parents, siblings) with a history of both mental health conditions and substance use or addiction?
A family history of both conditions is a significant genetic and environmental risk factor for co-occurring disorders.
Question 10 of 10Relationships & Support
Have family members, close friends, a doctor, or a therapist expressed concern about both your mental health and your substance use?
People close to us often recognize patterns we may not be able to see ourselves. Concern from multiple people about both conditions is a meaningful indicator.
Clinical Disclaimer: This self-test is a screening tool only and does not constitute a clinical diagnosis. Results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or thoughts of self-harm, please call 988 or 911 immediately.
