These are taken, with permission, from a handout I received in health class.
Signs you may have a problem with drugs or alcohol:
- You can't predict whether or not you will use drugs or alcohol
- You believe that in order to have fun you need to drink or use drugs
- You turn to alcohol and/or drugs after a confrontation or argument, or to relieve uncomfortable feelings
- You drink more or use more drugs to get the same effect that you got with smaller amounts
- You drink and/or use drugs alone
- You have trouble at work or school because of your drinking or alcohol
- You have ever gone to work or school while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- You have lapses in your memory
- You feel alone, scared, miserable, and/or depressed
Signs that someone you know may have a problem with drugs or alcohol:
Does the person exhibit these signs?:
- Getting high on drugs or drunk on a regular basis
- Lying about things, or the amount of drugs or alcohol they are using
- Avoiding you and others in order to get high or drunk
- No longer showing an interest in activities they used to do such as sports or hanging out with friends who don't use drugs or alcohol
- Constantly talking about drugs or alcohol
- Believing that in order to have fun they need drugs or alcohol
- Pressuring others to use drugs or alcohol
- Getting in trouble with the law
- Taking risks; including sexual risks and driving while intoxicated
- Feeling run-down, hopeless, or suicidal
- Missing work or class for a drug or alcohol related incident
- Being intoxicated at work or school
- Poor work performance as a result of drinking or using drugs
If a significant portion of these signs are true for yourself or someone you know, it may be a good idea to seek help from a professional. You can learn more about treatment options near you by calling 1-800-662-4357 toll free anywhere in the USA..