Could you have a problem with substance abuse?

The following is a quiz to help you identify whether you or someone you know might have a problem with alcohol or other drugs.

Have you ever attempted to stop drinking or drugging for a period of time and failed?
Do you get resentful when people criticize your use of alcohol or other drugs?
Have you ever changed your drinking or drug using practices in hopes that this would keep you from getting drunk or high?
Have you had a drink in the morning in the past year?
Do you envy people who do not get into trouble when they drink or use drugs?
Have you had problems with work, school, family, friends, the courts, etc., connected with drinking or drug using?
Have you tried to get additional drinks at a party because they did not serve you the number you wanted?
Do you say that you can stop drinking or using any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk or high when you don't mean to?
Have you missed days at work or school, appointments or other events because of drinking or drugging?
Have you ever had a blackout (drinking or drugging times you cannot remember)?

Three or more "yes" answers may indicate a need for help!

Warning Signs of Teen Substance Abuse

Here are a few signs and symptoms to look for if you suspect your child is using alcohol and/or other drugs.

The National Library of Medicine documents these telltale signs in drug-taking children that should alert parents/loved ones:

Change in friends.
Reclusive behavior - long periods spent in self imposed isolation.
Long, unexplained absences.
Lying and stealing.
Involvement on the wrong side of the law.
Deteriorating family relationships.
Obvious intoxication, delirious, incoherent or unconscious.
Changes in behavior and attitude.

It is important to remember that different drugs produce different effects resulting in slight variations in outward indications. Some signs and symptoms are specific to opiates and narcotics and distinct from those experienced with Central Nervous Stimulants like Cocaine or depressants like alcohol.

Please contact a professional for diagnosis

For more information, please call (864) 467-3076.