A Drug Problem: How Can I Tell?

"If you don't get some help for your drug problem, I'm leaving."

"What's the matter with you? Are you stoned again?"

Have you heard these kinds of statements before? Do you wonder if you have a problem with drugs?

Maybe you use drugs just to be sociable with friends, or to relax on weekends. Maybe you need those pills for your back injury or to help you sleep. You don't see yourself as a "drug addict," but could you still have a drug problem?

What is drug abuse?

Drug use can be considered harmful when it causes physical, mental, social, legal and/or financial problems. A drug can be abused by taking it too much, too often, over too long a period of time or by taking drugs in combinations that have unwanted or unexpected results. Drug abuse not only impacts the user but also impacts the family and friends of the user.

People abuse drugs for many different reasons. A person may start using drugs for one reason (e.g. curiosity, pleasure, or for medical reasons). A person may continue using drugs for another reason (e.g. group pressure or dependence on the drug). People are said to be "drug dependent" when they continue to use a drug because they experience discomfort or anxiety when they try to stop using.

What are the risks of drug abuse?

• Physical Health Risks: all mood-altering drugs have side effects, and these can be very damaging physically. Drug users who inject drugs by hypodermic needles can get infections such as hepatitis or AIDS. 
  
• Tolerance: Tolerance means that, over time and with regular use, a user needs more and more of a drug to get the same effect. This increases the risk of dangerous or fatal overdose. 
  
• Overdose: An overdose of any drug is a dose that can cause serious and sudden physical or mental damage. An overdose may or may not be fatal, depending on the drug and the amount taken. 
  
• Street-Drug Hazards: Users of street drugs can never know exactly what they are taking. Dealers may not know (or reveal) exactly what they are selling. Some drugs are laced with other drugs that can be harmful. Often one drug is sold in place of another. 
  
• Mixing Drugs: Many drugs become dangerous when they are mixed. Users sometimes combine two drugs to enhance the effects of drug use or to counteract the undesirable side effect of a particular drug. Mixing drugs can be dangerous, as the results can be unpredictable. 
  
• Legal Risks: A conviction for illegal possession of a drug can result in a fine, imprisonment or both, and a criminal record. 
  
• Physical Dependence: This occurs when a drug user's body becomes so accustomed to a particular substance that it can only function when the drug is present. Without the drug the user may experience a variety of symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to convulsions. 
  
• Psychological Dependence: This exists when a drug is so central to a person's thoughts, emotions and activities that it is extremely difficult to stop using it.

How do drug problems start?

No one plans to have a drug problem when they start using drugs. Some people start using drugs because they are curious about what it will do for them. Others may want to fit into a particular crowd and start using more often when around those people. Still others may find that using drugs seems to help them cope with problems of boredom, anger, anxiety, lack of confidence and other emotional problems. Sometimes people use drugs to try to block out physical or emotional pain.

Problems related to drug abuse may occur quickly or may gradually develop over time depending on the substance being used, the amount being used, and how often it is taken. Some problem users will take drugs daily; others will use in a binge pattern, for example, using heavily on weekends. The person may not see the effects of their drug use on family, work or health. Often family and non-using friends can see a drug problem developing long before the using person can. 

Do you have a drug problem?

Be honest with yourself and reflect on how your drug use may be affecting your life. The following are signs that may indicate you have a drug problem: 

• Your drug use has increased since you first started using.
• You are using illegal drugs or having the same drug prescribed by more than one doctor.
• You need to take drugs to help you through new situations or social occasions.
• You can't remember things you have said or done while using drugs.
• You spend more and more time with people that use drugs.
• You cover up or lie about your drug use.
• You have problems or miss time at work or school because of your drug use.
• You have relationship problems with your spouse/children/parents because of your drug use.
• You only go to parties or places where drugs are available.
• Your drug use is causing financial problems.
• You have legal problems because of your drug use.
• You have hurt yourself or someone else while under the influence of drugs.
• You have tried to cut down or stop taking drugs but couldn't.
• You have increased risk-taking behavior (e.g. sharing needles, having unprotected sex).
• You break promises to others because of your drug use.
• Someone has told you they are concerned about your drug use.

If you agreed with any of these statements your drug use is likely causing problems in your life. The more you checked off, the more serious your drug problem may be.

Are you concerned about your drug use?

The following are steps you can take if you are concerned about your drug use:

Get Information: Learn about how a drug problem can develop and learn about the steps that can be taken during the recovery process. Reading this brochure is a start. There are other pamphlets, books and videos available through AADAC and through libraries and bookstores.

Be honest with yourself and reflect on your drug taking: Take an honest look at how your drug use is affecting you physically, socially and emotionally. Talk to friends and family members about how they see your drug use. AADAC can help you assess whether or not you have a drug problem and help you find ways to make changes.

Stop using: Consider stopping if you are concerned about your use of any substance. Talk to a health professional first to get medical advice regarding the withdrawal process. There can be serious side effects when withdrawing from certain drugs and you may require medical supervision/assistance. There are detoxification centres in many Alberta communities that can help you through this process.

Get support: Many people need outside support for a period of time after they have stopped using. There are 12-step programs available in communities across Alberta (e.g. Narcotics Anonymous). AADAC offers individual counselling, group counselling and intensive treatment programs.

For more information contact your local AADAC office or call the AADAC Help Line at 1-866-33AADAC (Alberta only).