Updated August 14, 2015.

Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.

Alcohol and drug use can progress into abuse and even addiction so insidiously that sometimes people do not realize that their drinking or drugging has become a real problem for them and those around them.

The progression of addiction -- and the chaos it can cause for those close to the substance abuser -- has been illustrated with the story of the frog in the water. The story goes, if you put a frog in a pot of hot water, he will jump out immediately.

But if you put the same frog in a pan of water that is body temperature and then very slowly turn up the heat, the frog will not jump out even at the boiling point.

The change was so slow and gradual, he didn't even notice.

What about your situation? How do you think it compares to "normal?" Have you progressed to the point of having a real problem that needs to be addressed? The following self-assessment tests can help you determine whether or not it may be time to get help.

Alcohol Abuse Screening Quiz
Answering these 20 questions will give you an idea if your drinking patterns are safe, risky or harmful. The test is completely confidential and anonymous: your results are not recorded, and are available only to you. You will not be asked for any personal identifying information.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Quiz
When you try to quit drinking, do you experience withdrawal symptoms? Are they mild, moderate or severe? This quiz can help you decide.

Cocaine Screening Quiz
Has cocaine become a problem in your life?

Could you be addicted? Taking this quiz may help you determine if your cocaine use has become problematic.

Drug Abuse Screening Quiz
This quiz was adapted from the Vanderbilt University Addiction Center. After answering all the questions, you will receive a score which is a guide to the advisability of seeking treatment.

Marijuana Problem Screening Quiz
Answering these 12 Questions may help you determine if you have begun to develop problems in some areas of your life as a result of your marijuana use.

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms Quiz
Answering these questions will give you an idea if your marijuana withdrawal symptoms are intense enough to cause you to relapse if you try to quit.

Questions for the Family

Has Your Relationship Become Abusive?
Is your relationship healthy and happy, or has it developed into one that is truly abusive? This screening quiz can help you determine whether you might be involved in a harmful or destructive relationship.

How Dangerous Is Your Relationship?
If your relationship has turned violent, you may be in more dangeer than you realize. Answering these questions can help you determine just how dangerous the situation may become.

Are You Enabling?
Sometimes things we do that we think are helping the alcoholic or addict, could actually be delaying them from seeking help for their problem. Could something you are doing actually be enabling instead of helping?

Are You Troubled by Someone's Drinking?
Millions of people are affected by the excessive drinking of someone close. The following questions, from Al-Anon Family Groups, are designed to help you decide whether or not you need Al-Anon.

Did You Grow Up with a Problem Drinker?
Al-Anon is for families, relatives, and friends whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. If someone close to you, such as a family member, friend, coworker, or neighbor, has or has had a drinking problem, the following questions, developed by Al-Anon Family Groups, may help you determine if Al-Anon is for you.

Adult Children of Alcoholics Screening Quiz
Did you grow up with a problem drinker? Those who grow up in homes where there is alcohol abuse or alcoholism are sometimes affected in ways they do not even realize.

Is Your Child Using Drugs or Alcohol?
If your children are using drugs or drinking while underage, they are breaking the law, and are not likely to admit that to their parents or any other adult. This quiz for parents can help determine if your child is exhibiting some of the tell-tell signs of substance abuse.

Is Your Child Huffing Inhalants?
If you suspect your child may be abusing inhalants, answer the 10 questions on our inhalant abuse screening quiz to see if you need to get help for your child.

Could You Be Clinically Depressed?
Clinical depression can strike anyone at any time, causing one to lose motivation, energy and the pleasure of everyday life. Depression many times goes untreated because people do not recognize its symptoms.