Is My Use Problematic?

Written By Melissa Lubbers-Billiot

What is the TAPS Tool?

The TAPS tool was developed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to provide a streamlined way for adults to identify potential risks associated with substance use. Unlike older, more clinical tests, TAPS is designed to be:

  • Comprehensive: It covers everything from tobacco and alcohol to illicit drugs and the misuse of prescription medications.

  • Two-Tiered: It starts with a brief screen (TAPS-1) and, if necessary, moves into a more detailed assessment (TAPS-2) to determine the level of risk.

  • Evidence-Based: It uses specific metrics to help distinguish between "low risk," "at risk," and "problematic" use.

Why You Should Take a Self-Assessment

Choosing to take a self-assessment isn't an admission of defeat; it’s an act of empowerment.

1. It Removes the Bias

When we self-evaluate, we often downplay our habits ("I only drink on weekends" or "I need this to sleep"). A tool like TAPS uses objective questions that provide a clearer picture of how substances are actually impacting your life and health.

2. It’s Completely Private

The TAPS tool can be used as a self-led screen. You can answer the questions in the comfort of your own home, giving you the space to be brutally honest with yourself without the fear of immediate judgment from others.

3. It Provides a Roadmap

The goal of TAPS isn’t just to give you a "score." It’s to help you decide what to do next. Whether the result suggests simply cutting back or seeking professional guidance, you’ll have a factual starting point for a conversation with a healthcare provider.

Signs That It Might Be Time to Check In

You don't need to be at "rock bottom" to use a screening tool. Consider taking the TAPS assessment if you’ve noticed:

  • Tolerance: Needing more of the substance to get the same effect.

  • Neglect: Missing work, school, or family obligations.

  • Mood Shifts: Feeling irritable, anxious, or depressed when not using.

  • Failed Attempts: Trying to cut down or stop but finding you can't stay away.

Take the First Step

The most courageous thing you can do is seek the truth about your health. If you are wondering "Do I have a problem?", let the data help you find the answer.

The Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medication, and other Substance use (TAPS) Tool consists of a combined screening component (TAPS-1) followed by a brief assessment (TAPS-2) for those who screen positive.

This tool:

  • Combines screening and brief assessment for commonly used substances, eliminating the need for multiple screening and lengthy assessment tools

  • Provides a two stage brief assessment adapted from the NIDA quick screen and brief assessment (adapted ASSIST-lite)

  • May be either self-administered directly by the patient or as an interview by a health professional

  • Uses an electronic format (available here as an online tool)

  • Uses a screening component to ask about frequency of substance use in the past 12 months

  • Facilitates a brief assessment of past 3 months problem use to the patient

https://nida.nih.gov/taps2

Melissa Lubbers-Billiot

Community Bridge Recovery- Counseling, Contracting and Consulting Services is a substance use treatment provider, providing counseling contracting and consulting service dedicated to person-centered care and community engagement. We help individuals, families, services providers and communities navigate recovery with compassion, while partnering with organizations to build stronger, more supportive systems of care. Our goal is to bridge the gap between clinical excellence and human connection—because lasting change begins with meaningful relationships.

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