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How can I tell if a friend or a loved one has a problem with alcohol,
marijuana, or other illicit drugs?
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug
Addiction,
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
Sometimes it is difficult to tell. Most people will
not voluntarily come to you and ask for help. In fact, he or she will
probably do everything possible to hide or deny the problem. However, there
are certain warning signs that may indicate that a family member or friend is
using drugs and drinking at high risk levels.
If your friend or loved one has one or more of the
following signs, he or she may have a problem with alcohol or other drugs:
- using licit drugs for non-medical purposes,
getting high on drugs, or getting drunk on a regular basis (at least once a
week).
- lying about things, or about the amount of
drugs or alcohol they may be using
- avoiding you and others in order to get high
or drunk
- giving up activities they used to do such as
sports, academics, or spending time with friends who don't use drugs or
drink
- having to increase amounts of drugs or
alcohol to get the same effects: i.e. increased tolerance
- constantly talking about using drugs or
drinking
- believing that in order to have fun they need
to drink or use other drugs
- pressuring others to use drugs or alcohol
- getting into trouble with the law, with the
university, with family member or with friends
- taking risks, including sexual risks and
driving under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs
- missing classes or poor academic performance
because of drinking or drug use
- feeling tired, hopeless, depressed or even
suicidal
Many of the signs, such as sudden mood
changes, difficulty in getting along with others, poor academic performance,
irritability, and depression, might be explained by other causes. Unless
you observe drug use or high-risk drinking, it can be difficult to determine
the cause of these problems. A good first step is to get more information
by contacting qualified drug and alcohol professionals for further advice.
The Counseling and Wellness Center is available for information or
for consultation. To make an appointment,
call 832-1945.
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1615 Stanley Street,
New Britain, CT 06050 860.832.CCSU or toll free instate
1-888-733-2278 |
Copyright © 2006 [Central Connecticut
State University]. All rights reserved.
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