Your responses suggest that substance use or certain behaviors are significantly impacting your mental and emotional well-being. You may be experiencing guilt, difficulty maintaining daily responsibilities, or using the behavior as a way to cope with deeper stress or emotional pain. It’s not uncommon to feel stuck, especially if you’ve tried to make changes and found it hard to follow through — but you are not alone in this.

A high score often reflects a pattern that’s taken root over time, possibly leading to isolation, strained relationships, or financial stress. While it can feel overwhelming, this awareness is actually a powerful first step. There is help available — and recovery doesn’t have to happen all at once. With the right support system, whether through counseling, group therapy, or community resources, it’s absolutely possible to reclaim your mental health and build a healthier, more balanced future. Reaching out is a sign of strength, and lasting change is within reach.

Addiction and substance use can take a serious toll on mental health, often creating a cycle that's hard to break. What might start as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or emotional pain can quickly become something that makes those feelings even harder to manage. Substances can numb the discomfort in the moment, but over time, they often leave people feeling more isolated, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that are tough to face alone.

It’s important to understand that addiction isn’t a failure of character — it’s often a response to deeper emotional needs or unresolved pain. The good news is, change is absolutely possible. With the right support, whether that’s through therapy, recovery programs, or trusted community connections, people can rebuild their lives and their sense of self. Prioritizing mental health isn’t just about stopping the use — it’s about healing what’s underneath and creating space for lasting growth, peace, and connection.