Leeds Dependence Questionnaire (LDQ)

The LDQ measures psychological and behavioural aspects of dependence, including how strongly substance use is woven into daily life. It explores areas such as:

• Reliance on substances to cope or function
• Difficulty controlling frequency or quantity of substance use
• Prioritizing substance use over responsibilities
• Feeling mentally or emotionally preoccupied with use

By focusing on patterns rather than the substances themselves, the LDQ helps clinicians understand how dependence is affecting someone, not just what they are using.

The LDQ uses short, plain‑language questions designed to be easy to understand and quick to complete. Questions ask individuals to reflect on their experiences over time, using simple response options that capture frequency and intensity without requiring detailed descriptions or technical language.

The goal is to understand patterns of dependence in a clear, non‑judgmental way, rather than to test knowledge, assign labels, or focus on specific substances.

An example of an LDQ question: “Do you drink or take drugs morning, afternoon and evening?” with response options ranging from “Never” to “Nearly always.”

The LDQ is not a diagnostic tool. A diagnosis helps identify whether or not an individual has a drug or alcohol addiction, while the LDQ, on the other hand, helps measure severity and impact of substance use. It provides insight into how dependence is showing up in daily life and how it changes over time.

In treatment, a diagnosis can help establish a starting point, but the LDQ helps guide care beyond that starting point by tracking progress and identifying areas that may need additional support.

The LDQ is used because recovery is not just about stopping substance use. It is about reducing reliance, rebuilding independence, and changing patterns that interfere with daily life.

By highlighting how dependence affects daily life, the LDQ helps treatment teams understand where support is most needed and how patterns change over time.

The LDQ may be used at multiple points during treatment, including early on to understand baseline dependence, during treatment to track change, and closer to discharge to support aftercare planning.

LDQ results are reviewed alongside clinical conversations and other assessments. They help care teams:

• Adjust treatment approaches when needed
• Identify areas where additional support may be helpful
• Guide discharge and aftercare recommendations

Scores are never used in isolation and are not treated as pass‑or‑fail outcomes. They are one piece of information used to support individualized care.

The LDQ does not directly measure cravings or relapse risk. Instead, it focuses on how patterns of substance use and cravings influence thinking, behaviour, and daily functioning.

How to measure risk of relapse

Other assessments, such as the Drug-Taking Confidence Questionnaire (DTCQ‑8D), may be used alongside the LDQ to measure confidence in managing tempting or triggering situations. Together, these tools help teams assess readiness for life after treatment and areas where additional support may be helpful.