Making the most of your doctor visit

You can help your health professional diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

  • How often do you drink or use drugs?
  • Do you use alcohol and other drugs, both prescription and nonprescription, at the same time?
  • Do you sometimes drink or use more than you mean to?
  • What types of alcohol or drugs do you use? How much do you use each day?
  • Do you drink or use drugs when you feel "stressed"?
  • Do you drink or use drugs when you are alone?
  • Can you drink or use more of a certain drug now than you used to be able to?
  • Have you tried to cut back on your drinking or drug use, but were unable to?
  • Have you had a drink or used drugs today?
  • How old were you when you first used alcohol or drugs?
  • When did you use the highest dosage of alcohol or drugs in your life?
  • Have you ever had a blackout while drinking or using drugs?
  • Is alcohol or drug use causing more problems with your work, your school, or in your family?
  • Have you ever been treated for a seizure or an irregular heartbeat?
  • How often have you changed jobs in the past 5 years?
  • Does anyone else in your immediate family have an alcohol or drug abuse problem?
  • Have your family or friends ever told you they thought you had a problem with alcohol or drugs?
  • Have you ever been treated for a similar problem in the past?
  • Have you or anyone else in your family ever been treated for depression?
  • Have you ever thought about or tried to commit suicide?
  • Have you ever tried to harm yourself or thought of suicide while drinking or using drugs?
  • Have you ever abused a child or intimate partner while using alcohol or drugs?
  • Have you ever been hospitalized for a drug or alcohol problem? If so, be prepared to discuss the details with your health professional.
  • Do you have any health risks?

Reprinted from the Healthwise® Knowledgebase. Copyright 1995-2004, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, Idaho 83701. Copying of any portion of this material is not permitted without express written permission of HEALTHWISE, Incorporated.