.. Substance Abuse
.. Signs & Symptoms

Signs & Symptoms

As noted earlier, one of the best indicators of problematic involvement with substances is experiencing problems that are related to substance use. Here are some other indicators of substance abuse:

• Others voicing concern about your drinking or using
• Drinking or using alone
• Becoming edgy or anxious when not being able to drink or use
• Experiencing physical after-effects (withdrawal) when you stop drinking or using
• Financial problems related to substance use
• Experiencing blackouts (periods of memory loss related to drinking or using)
• Needing progressively more and more of a drink or drug to achieve the same effect
• Lying or being secretive about your alcohol or drug use
• Lost time at school or work (being absent or late) as a result of substance use
• Using or drinking as a means of coping with emotions
• Feeling fatigued or depressed