substance abuse how to cope

Warning Signs of a Drug Addiction...

There are many signs and symptoms of drug addiction...here are just a few:

Getting high or drugs on a regular basis.

Lying about the amount of drugs being used.

Planning drug use in advance, hiding drugs and using when alone.

Withdrawn, depressed, tired and careless about personal grooming and appearance.

Rimmed eyes or runny nose not related to cold or allergies.

Change in sleeping patterns; rapid weight loss.

Needing more and more drugs to achieve the same level of "high."

Worried about a friend who may have a substance
abuse
problem? Want to help?

Learn more by visiting our
"How to Help
a Friend"
page.

How to Cope with a Substance Addiction...

Teens with drug/substance addictions usually think they have everything under control, but the truth is, the addiction slowly takes control over a person
and his/her life.

The first step in overcoming a drug/substance addiction is recognizing that a problem a exists. To help you decide whether or not you might have an addiction, ask yourself the following questions:

1.	Do you think a lot about drugs?
2.	Do ever use alone?
3.	Have you ever thought you couldn't fit in or have a good time without drugs?
4.	Have you ever used drugs because of emotional pain or stress?
5.	Have you ever used a drug without knowing what is was or what it would do to you?
6.	Have you ever taken one drug to overcome the effects of another?
7.	Has your school or job performance ever suffered from the effects of your drug use?
8.	Does the thought of running out of drugs terrify you?
9.	Have you ever stolen drugs or stolen to obtain drugs?
10.	Have you ever felt defensive, guilty, or ashamed about your drug use?
11.	Have you ever overdosed on any drug?
12.	Has your drug use affected your relationships?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, maybe it's time you took a look at what your drug use might be doing to you, and take steps toward stopping (see top right).

-Back to Top-

How to stop using...

It's not easy to stop using drugs once you are addicted, but you can stop! The first step is admitting you have a problem. The second step is really wanting to stop - making a commitment to do the work necessary to get clean and get on with your life. The third step is getting help. It's not impossible to get clean on your own, but it's much easier with support.

Fortunately, there are many organizations, programs, and services available in virtually every community to help people with substance abuse problems. Almost all are confidential and many are free.

Where to start? Very often it helps to tell someone about the problem - a parent, school counselor, or family doctor can help you search for a treatment or self-help program and can provide you with much needed support on the home front. Or you can visit the National Drug and Alcohol Abuse Routing Service website at www.health.org/referrals/ or call them at 1-800-729-6686. For other local and national resources visit our substance abuse resource page by clicking here. Finally your local regional action council can provide you with information about substance abuse resources in your community.

Whatever you do, don't put off the decision to quit using drugs! Your life may depend on it!