Chemical Dependency                                         To Home Page

Chemical dependency disorders affect a staggering proportion of the population of the U. S. and other Western nations.  Recent data from the National Institute of Mental Health indicate that nearly 20% (about 48 million people) of the general population  qualified for a substance use diagnosis at some point during their lifetime (Regier et al., 1990).  The same researchers found that persons suffering from psychiatric disorders who come for mental health treatment had twice the risk of having a drinking problem, and four times the risk of having a drug problem compared to the general population.  Nearly a third (29%) of persons seeking mental health treatment will also suffer from a substance use problem at some point in their life.

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Drug Abuse

Alcoholism

Cocaine 

Heroin 

Methamphetamines 

Club Drugs 

Marijuana

How Can I Tell If A Friend or a Loved One Has a Problem With Alcohol, Marijuana, or Other Illicit Drugs?

Sometimes it is tough to tell. Most people won't walk up to someone they're close to and ask for help. In fact, they will probably do everything possible to deny or hide the problem. But, there are certain warning signs that may indicate that a family member or friend is using drugs and drinking too much alcohol.

Many of the signs, such as sudden changes in mood, difficulty in getting along with others, poor job or school performance, irritability, and depression, might be explained by other causes. Unless you observe drug use or excessive drinking, it can be hard to determine the cause of these problems. Your first step is to contact a qualified alcohol and drug professional in your area who can give you further advice.

How Can I Tell If I Have a Problem With Alcohol or Drugs?

Drug and alcohol problems can affect every one of us regardless of age, sex, race, marital status, place of residence, income level, or lifestyle.

You may have a problem with drugs or alcohol, if:

You can't predict whether or not you will use drugs or get drunk.

You believe that in order to have fun you need to drink and/or use drugs.

You turn to alcohol and/or drugs after a confrontation or argument, or to relieve uncomfortable feelings.

You drink more or use more drugs to get the same effect that you got with smaller amounts.

You drink and/or use drugs alone.

You remember how last night began, but not how it ended, so you're worried you may have a problem.

You have trouble at work or in school because of your drinking or drug use.

You make promises to yourself or others that you'll stop getting drunk or using drugs.

 

You feel alone, scared, miserable, and depressed.

How Can I Get Help?

You can get help for yourself or for a friend or loved one from numerous national, State, and local organizations, treatment centers, referral centers, and hotlines throughout the country. There are various kinds of treatment services and centers. For example, some may involve outpatient counseling, while others may be 3- to 5-week-long inpatient programs.

While you or your friend or loved one may be hesitant to seek help, know that treatment programs offer organized and structured services with individual, group, and family therapy for people with alcohol and drug abuse problems. Research shows that when appropriate treatment is given, and when clients follow their prescribed program, treatment can work. By reducing alcohol and/or drug abuse, treatment reduces costs to society in terms of medical care, law enforcement, and crime. More importantly, treatment can help keep you and your loved ones together.

Remember, some people may go through treatment a number of times before they are in full recovery. Do not give up hope.

Each community has its own resources. Some common referral sources that are often listed in the phone book are:

Community Drug Hotlines

Local Emergency Health Clinics, or Community Treatment Services

City/Local Health Departments

Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or Al-Anon/Alateen

Hospitals