Alcohol and Other Drugs | Office Of Counseling Services

Alcohol abuse or dependency may be a problem when you answer yes to one or more of the following questions:

Have you ever tried unsuccessfully to cut down on your drinking or drug use?
Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking or drug use?
Has your drinking or drug use annoyed and/or angered your family or friends?
Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking or drug use?
Have you ever had a drink or used drugs first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or combat a hangover?
Do you find yourself craving alcohol or other drugs?
Are you unable to stop drinking or using drugs once you start?
When you stop drinking or using drugs, do you experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety?
Do you need to increase your alcohol or drug intake in order to feel the effect of it?
Are you unable to fulfill major school, work, or home responsibilities?
Are you drinking or using drugs in situations that are physically dangerous?
Do you have recurring alcohol or drug related legal problems?
Are you continuing to drink or use drugs despite your recognition of the problems that are caused or worsened by alcohol or drugs?
Have you experienced blackouts or memory lapses when drinking or using drugs?
Do you drink or use drugs to relieve stress?
Do you drink or use drugs by yourself?
Do you often drink or use drugs to get ready for a social event?
Are you truthful about your alcohol or drug use?

Resources

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
Smart Recovery – National self-help organization devoted to cognitive therapy-oriented recovery from substance abuse.