Facing Substance Use
In order to overcome substance use, it’s important to first acknowledge it. After you’ve recognized you have a problem, there are many ways for you to get help, including inpatient and outpatient recovery programs.
If you’re unsure if you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, here are a few signs from our friends at HelpGuide.org to help you identify if you need assistance.
- You are seeking your substance more and more, and increasingly feel the need to use
- Your main reason for living is using
- You lose touch with important people and parts of your life, like school, work, family or friends
- Neglecting responsibilities at school, at work or at home
- Using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks while high (e.g. driving while under the influence or using dirty needles)
- Getting into trouble with the law (e.g. stealing to support a drug habit or arrests for disorderly conduct)
- Relationship problems with friends, partners, family members, coworkers, employers or children
- Withdrawing from friends or family members
- Unexplained change in personality or attitude
- Sudden mood swings or outbursts
- Bloodshot eyes, smaller or larger pupils than usual
- Changes in appetite or sleeping patterns
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Tremors, slurred speech, impaired coordination
Remember, if you think you need help, do not try to quit cold turkey. Quitting immediately could harm you and your baby, so call 211 to talk about how to get help, find a treatment center in your community, or explore this website to learn about the options available to you.
It is never too late to get help for you and your baby. The most important thing to remember is that there is always a way to get help. Call 211 or look up a treatment center.
