Recogniziing a problem

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Recognizing a problem is unique to each individual. Different people may experience the negative effects of drugs/alcohol misuse/abuse after ingesting different quantities of drugs/alcohol over varying lengths of time, and no two individuals are exactly alike. To begin with, concerned individuals should ask themselves the following questions. 

1. Do you use because you have problems? To relax?

2. Do you use when you get mad at other people, your friends or parents?

3. Do you prefer to use alone, rather than with others?

4. Are your grades starting to slip? Are you goofing off on your job?

5. Did you ever try to stop using or use less - and fail?

6. Have you begun to use in the morning, before school or work?

7. Do you gulp your drugs/alcohol?

8. Do you ever have loss of memory due to your use?

9. Do you lie about your using?

10. Do you ever get into trouble when you're using?

11. Do you get drunk/high when you drink/use, even when you don't mean to?

12. Do you think it's cool to be able to hold your liquor?

*adopted from alcoholics-anonymous.org

If you find that you have answered yes to one or more of the above questions you may either have or be developing an alcohol/drug-related problem. To learn more about your alcohol/drug use, see Resources/Links.