Warning Signs
Are you concerned about a friend's drinking and/or other drug
use? Do you wonder if s/he has a problem? You don't need to be
an expert to know if your friend has troubles related to alcohol
or other drugs. Your friend may need help if s/he:
- Uses more alcohol and/or another drug than in the past;
- Denies or tries to hide drinking and/or other drug use;
- Avoids talking about his/her use and behavior when intoxicated
and minimizes the amount and frequency of and problems related to
drug use;
- Forgets or denies things that happened when s/he was intoxicated;
- Chooses friends who are heavy drinkers or drug users;
- Often drinks and/or takes drugs to relax or forget about
problems;
- Tries to justify or excuse his/her drinking and/or other drug
use;
- Drives a car or operates machinery while intoxicated, or is
arrested for drunk driving;
- Behaves differently when intoxicated (for example, a person who
is normally quiet and mild-mannered becomes loud and angry when
intoxicated);
- Denies having a drinking problem because s/he drinks only beer or
wine, or denies having a drug problem because s/he only uses
marijuana, over-the-counter diet aids or some other supposedly
"harmless" substance;
- Has problems related to alcohol/drug use-accidents, conflicts,
financial difficulties, absenteeism, frequent illness, hangovers-
with work, family and friends.
- Thinks a lot about alcohol/other drugs;
- Avoids social functions where alcohol and/or other drugs may not
be available;
- Seems to have a low self-image and uses alcohol/drugs to feel
better.
- Makes you embarrassed, anxious or afraid when s/he is drunk or
high;
If several of these warning signs apply to your friend, you have
good reason to be concerned. The more signs that apply, the
worse the drinking or drug problem is likely to be. Your friend
may have other problems as well. But alcohol/drug abuse won't
solve those problems and may even make them worse.
(The above is used with permission from the Wisconsin
Clearinghouse pamphlet "How An Adult Can Help A Friend With An
Alcohol Or Other Drug Problem")
If you would like more information please contact the Alcohol-
Drug Information Center at 855-5414.