How To See the Early Signs of a Drug or Alcohol Problem

The basic guideline for judging whether a person has a problem with alcohol or other drugs, and, therefore, should seek help from a qualified addictions counselor, is this: Does my use of drugs or alcohol cause significant problems in important areas of my life, and do I continue to use the substance anyway? Here are the steps to take to figure out if you have a problem and need help.

1. Do I use drugs or alcohol?
2. Does my use cause problems in relationships, at work, legal problems, medical problems?
3. Do I continue to use the substance anyway, despite the problems in #2?
4. If my answers to #1-3 are affirmative, I need help.

The negative consequences from drug or alcohol use must consist of a pattern of behaviors, not just occurring once or twice. Here are a few examples:

• Tension in a significant relationship due to drug or alcohol use
• Arguments happen several times a week for several months
• Blackouts from alcohol use that happen 2-3 times a month for 6 months.

A person who does not have a problem will, in the face of negative consequences, either stop using the substance or be able to limit use so that negative consequences no longer occur. A person does not have to use drugs or alcohol every day and does not have to be physically dependent (with cravings and withdrawal) in order to have a problem and be in need of help. The person only has to use drugs or alcohol in the face of adverse consequences. If caught early enough, an individual with a drug or alcohol problem can, with appropriate treatment, often avoid serious consequences such as loss of a marriage or other significant relationship, loss of a job, jail time, and medical complications such as cirrhosis of the liver.