Substance Abuse
How can I tell if a friend or a loved one has a problem with alcohol or drugs?
How can I tell if I have a problem with drugs or alcohol?
Additional information: some related web links
General
Information
College values encourage independence and experimentation
with new identities and ideas. With this brings
the complex task of figuring out your relationship
with drugs and alcohol. The choices that you make
regarding your alcohol and drug use can have a significant
impact on your grades, relationships with friends
and parents, physical health, and safety. In addition,
your parents or relatives use of alcohol or drugs
may have already impacted your life. If you have
concerns about your own alcohol or substance use,
or the substance use of a friend, family member,
or another MU student, the Student Counseling Service
(SCS) provides a confidential place to discuss these
issues. SCS offers comprehensive substance use/abuse
assessments, referrals, individual, couples, and
group therapy.
The following guidelines are taken from The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, a service of The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:
How
can I tell if a friend or a loved one has a problem
with alcohol or drugs?
Sometimes it is hard to tell. Most people won't
walk up to someone they're close to and ask for
help. In fact, they will probably do everything
possible to deny or hide the problem. But, there
are certain warning signs that may indicate that
a family member or friend is using drugs and drinking
too much alcohol. If your friend or loved one has
one or more of the following signs, he or she may
have a problem with drugs or alcohol:
- getting high on drugs or getting 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
- giving up activities they used to do such as sports, homework, or hanging out with friends who don't use drugs or drink
- having to use more marijuana or other illicit drugs to get the same effects
- constantly talking about using drugs or drinking
- believing that in order to have fun they need to drink, use marijuana or other drugs
- pressuring others to use drugs or drink
- getting into trouble with the law
- taking risks, including sexual risks and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- feeling run-down, hopeless, depressed, or even suicidal
- suspension from school for an alcohol- or drug-related incident
- missing work or poor work performance because of drinking or drug use
Remember that many of the signs such as sudden changes in mood, difficulty in getting along with others, poor job or school performance, irritability, and depression, might be explained by other causes. Unless you observe drug use or excessive drinking, it can be hard to determine the cause of these problems. Your first step is to contact a qualified alcohol and drug professional in your area who can give you further advice.
How
can I tell if I have a problem with drugs or alcohol?
Drug and alcohol problems can affect every one of
us regardless of age, sex, race, marital status,
place of residence, income level, or lifestyle.
- You may have a problem with drugs or alcohol, if:
- You can't predict whether or not you will use drugs or get drunk.
- You believe that in order to have fun you need to drink and/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 remember how last night began, but not how it ended, so you're worried you may have a problem.
- You have trouble at work or in school because of your drinking or drug use.
- You make promises to yourself or others that you'll stop getting drunk or using drugs.
- You
feel alone, scared, miserable, and depressed.
The
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
This site provides answers to frequently asked questions
about alcohol use and abuse.
The
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
This
is a service of The Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration.
Drug-Free
Resource Net
Partnership for a Drug Free America
Last Updated: 03-16-06
Contact:
studentcounseling@muohio.edu
(513)529-4634