For Young Adults: Using or Abusing?

You may not think that your substance use is a big deal, especially if your friends drink or use drugs. And it’s true that not everyone who uses alcohol or drugs is, or will become, an addict. But if you do use substances, you should be aware of how they are impacting you and what the possible consequences may be.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you decide:

• Do you ever worry that you drink or use drugs too heavily or too often?
• Have you ever tried to cut down on your drinking or drug use and failed?
• Do you have to drink more, or use more drugs, to feel an effect than you once did?
• Have you ever gotten irritated because someone said you had a problem with alcohol or drugs?

Talk to Someone You Can Trust

If you fear that you or someone you care about may have a problem with alcohol or drugs, the Addiction Recovery Management Service (ARMS) can help. You are welcome to talk to one of our clinicians without enrolling in a substance treatment program. And if you do decide to seek treatment, we will be there to help you every step of the way, as you find the right treatment program, become healthier and set goals for a new and improved life.

Making decisions about whether you have a problem with substances and need help can be overwhelming, and you don’t have to face them alone. ARMS is here to offer you information and support, even if you’re not ready to stop drinking or using drugs. You can come in for an evaluation without enrolling in our program, and you are always welcome to meet with one of our trained clinicians to ask questions or address issues that are bothering you without having to sign up for treatment.

How Substances Are Affecting You

We can provide you with information about how your substance use is affecting you. Maybe you’re not using drugs or alcohol that often, or you’re only using with your friends, and there hasn’t been a serious impact on your grades, work performance or relationships. But your substance use can cause delays in your development and lead to future dependencies and problems at school and work.

If your alcohol or drug use is already causing problems or making you feel bad, you don't have to deal with it alone. ARMS can help you to make sense of how these substances are impacting your life and decide what you should do about it. We do not require you to be abstinent to get support or guidance at ARMS, we will work with you where you are and around your goals. Here are some questions to help you complete an informal self-evaluation and decide whether or not your drug and alcohol usage is a problem:

• Have you ever blacked out while drinking or using drugs?
• Have you ever felt ashamed of your drinking or drug use, or the things you do when you are drunk or high?
• Has your drinking or drug use caused you to fight with your friends or family?
• Has your drinking or drug use led to problems at school or work?
• Have you ever stolen to get money for alcohol or drugs?