1  Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than you're meant to.
2  Wanting to cut down or stop using the substance but not managing to.
3  Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the substance.
4  Cravings and urges to use the substance.
5  Not managing to do what you should at work, home, or school because of substance use.
6  Continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships.
7  Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use.
8  Using substances again and again, even when it puts you in danger.
9  Continuing to use, even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by the substance.
10 Needing more of the substance to get the effect you want (tolerance).
11 Development of withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance.