How to Know if Alcohol or Drugs are a Problem

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By jpwriter
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Have alcohol or drugs become a problem for you or someone you care about?

The choice to quit drinking or using drugs is hard. It's also very important. Sometimes it's hard for a person to know if alcohol or drugs have become a problem for them. Although there are legal, family, employment, health and other interventions, ultimately the user has to decide to quit. It is much easier said than done, but very helpful to know some warning signs for problem use.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

support
honesty with self
courage
hope
perseverance

Step 1

If you think that you have a problem with alcohol or drugs then that is a step in the right direction and maybe you can relate with the rest of this article. Perhaps you are reading this wondering about someone else. These are some of the key indicators that drinking or drug use has become problematic.
Step 2

One problem indicator is whether or not you can keep away from the substance, whether it be alcohol or drugs. Do you make plans to do an activity or go somewhere without drinking, but still end up having a drink? Once you start drinking are you able to drink only one, limit the number of drinks, or do you more often than not end up drinking too much (or more than anticipated)? Do you say to yourself "this is the last time," "next time I wont," "on Monday I'll stop," or other similar statements?
Step 3

When you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs do you do things you regret? Some examples are saying things you don't mean, making out or having sex with someone you do not know or do know but wouldn't sleep with if you were sober, spending too much money or money meant for something else (rent, food, diapers), or other things that cause you to feel guilty.
Step 4

If you are trying to figure out if you have a drinking problem or drug use has passed recreation, consider whether you have put yourself in dangerous situations. This includes driving a car, motorcycle, or boat under the influence. It also includes unprotected sex, aggressive behavior or fighting, being around other people that are using drugs or alcohol who are not safe, or experimenting with multiple substances at the same time (which can lead to an overdose). Perhaps you need to define what is dangerous to you? This word can have multiple meanings, so hanging out with someone who carries guns might be dangerous to one person while drinking when you are watching a child can have the same meaning.
Step 5

When thinking about your drinking do you feel guilty? Have there been situations in your life that you have given up or let go of because of your use? These things include college, relationships, friends, homes, personal belongings, health, scholarships, dreams, hopes, belief in self, and mental stability. Have you picked drugs or drinking over the other things or people in life that are important to you?
Step 6

If you have a feeling of anxiety or fear at the thought of never being able to drink or use a certain drug again and some of the above are true for you then it's possible that you might have a problem. Identifying it as a potential problem is very important.
Step 7

Go easy on yourself. The decision to quit drinking is very personal and very difficult. Don't believe that you do not have will power. People with alcohol or drug problems have more will power than people realize, but are fighting against an organic brain disorder.