Alcohol And Drug Problems: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Do you depend on alcohol or drugs to help you through the day?

See significance of substance dependence if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you ever think you should cut down on your drinking or drug use?

Yes

Do you do or say things when you are drinking or high that you regret or feel guilty about later?

Yes

Do you take alcohol or drugs to "get going" or to treat withdrawal symptoms?

Yes

Do you have any physical signs of alcohol or drug dependence?

Yes

Do you tell yourself you can stop using alcohol or drugs anytime you want?

Yes

Have you ever tried to stop using alcohol or drugs but were unable to do so?

Yes

Have you tried to control your use of alcohol or drugs by changing from one type of drink or drug to another?

Yes

Do you envy people who can use alcohol or drugs without getting into trouble?

Yes

Do other people criticize your drinking or drug use?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	January 18, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer