Substance misuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or profession. If you’re concerned about your substance use or someone else’s, knowing the signs is a good first step. Early support can make a big difference, but it is never too late to seek help.
Signs That Help May Be Needed
- Feeling unable to control or cut back on substance use
- Relying on substances to have fun or manage stress
- Using substances alone or in secret
- Needing more to feel the same effect
- Struggling with work responsibilities, attendance, missed deadlines, errors, tension with coworkers or supervisors
- Making promises to quit that aren’t kept
- Feeling disconnected, anxious, or depressed
- Experiencing illnesses such as lung, heart, kidney or liver disease, stroke, cancer, and gastrointestinal issues.
How You Can Help & Get Help
If you’re concerned about someone’s substance use, offer to help find support through the resources below.
Help is available in the form of treatment programs, therapists with addiction specialties, and doctors that are board-certified addiction specialists. Support groups can also help by providing a community, understanding, and practical tools. Helpful resources are listed below.
Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is an available resource to connect you to no-cost counseling and assist with referrals to treatment resources. To speak with a professional or get more information, call the EAP or visit the website listed below. Help is available.
Additional Resources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA) www.samhsa.gov/find-support
www.findtreatment.gov (Treatment Locator)
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
www.alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov
Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.)
https://www.aa.org/find-aa
Al-Anon
https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/
Support for family member and friends impacted by someone else’s alcohol use
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
https://na.org/meetingsearch/
NAR-Anon
https://www.nar-anon.org/find-a-meeting
Support for family member and friends impacted by someone else’s drug use
SMART Recovery
https://meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/
For young people and adults with alcohol or other addictions
Emergency Helpline
988 Lifeline
Dial or text 988
More information at www.988lifeline.org
