What are the signs that drug or alcohol use is problematic?

There are many signs that alcohol or drug use may have become problematic or that a dependence – psychological, physical or both – has developed.

A series of questions – available on www.intheknowzone.com provides some indicators for people considering their drinking or drugging.

Common issues highlighted in this and much other research include:

• Using drugs or alcohol to boost confidence
• Socialising with other drinking and drugging acquaintances
• Losing friends
• Relationship breakdown because of drinking and drugging
• Job loss, hospitalisation or imprisonment due to alcohol or drug use
• Creating opportunity for drinking and drugging (and prioritising this over other activities)
• Having people suggest you use too much or drink too much
• Being angry that people suggest you use or drink too much
• Forgetting what has happened while using drink or drugs (blackouts)
• Drinking or drugging until the whole supply has finished
• Doing without other things (such as food, clothing, paying rent) to afford drugging or drinking
• Thinking you should cut back – and trying to cut back without prolonged success or with unpredictable results
• Feeling embarrassed about behaviour after drinking or drugging
• Hiding your drug or alcohol use
• Absenteeism from work or school or failure to meet other commitments
• Violence or aggression associated with alcohol or drug use
• Erratic, risk taking, unpredictable or other errant behaviours resulting from drug or alcohol use such as abusing other people, driving under the influence...

Not everyone who has a drug or alcohol problem will exhibit all of these symptoms but it is most likely they will have experienced one or many of the behaviours in the list above.

If you have tried to cut down but have been unable to do so, you probably need assistance. If your drug use is creating problems in your life and you feel afraid, out of control, unable to live without your drug, or generally depressed it would be helpful to find people who can support you.

It is important to be aware that drug and alcohol dependence is very difficult to overcome. It can also be very dangerous to do alone. Unsupervised withdrawal from heavy, sustained alcohol dependence, for example, can be lethal.

Contact any of the services listed in more information to find out how you can get the help you need.

A variety of options exist and you can choose the best one for you. A brief episode of withdrawal followed by counselling might be the best option for one person. Another may need longer withdrawal, a few months in residential rehabilitation, assistance with employment, training or education and accommodation support. Someone else may be best suited to supported accommodation, participation in a self help group and longer term family counselling.

It is very difficult – as you are probably already aware – to make someone else see that they have a drug or alcohol problem. Speaking to them about it (especially when they are drug or alcohol affected) can be frustrating and pointless. They may become angry, defensive, upset or distant.

Unless a person acknowledges that they have a problem and expresses the desire to do something about it, you have very few options. The first priority is to take care of yourself. A person with drug or alcohol dependency can take others down with them – even though they may have no idea they are doing it. If you are going to be of any help at all you must prioritise your own health and well being.

A number of groups and organisations offer support for people affected by the drug or alcohol dependence of a loved one. Whether this person is you child, your partner, your friend, your parent or your colleague, you cannot make them change their behaviour.

By accessing support you will be able to find many strategies for positively influencing them, taking care of yourself, setting up boundaries and being well informed.

Some numbers you can call are listed in the More information section.

Return to top