Any counseling discussion about alcohol use will also apply to drug use. Why? Because alcohol is a drug! Your body (pancreas, liver, brain, etc.) does not recognize any difference. Problems associated with drinking or drug use do not always mean you, or the person you are concerned about, automatically deserves a label of "Alcoholic" or "Addict". You very well may be able to modify your use, and deal with whatever is a related issue.

However, if the above quote seems to describe your experience, or it appears to fit for your loved one, then there is a strong possibility we are talking about alcohol/drug addiction in your life or relationship. Instead of wondering about, or having to defend your drinking or drug use, you can get a good idea if a problem exists by looking at your behavior, and answering the questions you will find here.

QUESTIONNAIRE

If you find yourself in a marriage or relationship with someone you feel has a problem with alcohol or other drugs, follow this link for information and help.

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Alcohol and other drugs are powerful chemical substances that either sedate or stimulate your central nervous system. While drinking or smoking pot can produce a sensation of being stimulated ("high"), alcohol and marijuana are not stimulants. The sensation is really the judgment and self-control functions of your brain being dulled. Depressant substances such as alcohol, marijuana, barbituates (i.e., downers, sleeping pills, qualudes, etc.), heroin, pain killers, and so forth, interact with your brain chemistry, and slow down your thinking processes. The chemically altered consciousness further slows reaction and recall. Your level of inhibitions is reduced. Your emotions process slower, and thereby you sense "feeling" more. You may talk, laugh and interact more; or, you may withdraw.

As your level of alcohol or other drugs increases, so too does the effect on the brain. Eventually, speech becomes slurred, sense and perception are impaired, reaction time continues to dull and physical impairments will begin. Alcohol’s effects start with our first drink. It does not matter what form it is in: wine, beer or straight liquor. A 5oz. glass of wine or a 12oz can of beer is equivalent to 1.5oz (a shot) of 80-proof distilled spirits. Take a look at this chart: The effect of one drink peaks at about an hour. It lasts to a lessening degree for almost 3 hours. Additional drinks increase the effect and time span

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The long term effects of alcohol use above a moderate level are many. Alcohol Can Be Physically Addictive, requiring larger amounts to keep withdrawal at bay. Over time the effects of alcohol multiply and can cut life short. The brain, liver, reproductive, respiration and circulatory systems as well as the immune system are all put at risk.

If you have problems with drinking alcohol, you need to stop or greatly reduce your level of consumption. Why not stop for 30 days and see what happens. While doing so you will benefit from meeting with a counselor on a short term basis.

If you begin to expereince any type of physical withdrawal symptoms you may need the help of a detox program and at least monitoring by a medical professional. If you have consumed alcohol at a significant level enlist the help of your physician before attempting to stop. Adding the assistance of professional counseling is good here too.

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Other "consciousness altering" substances (both prescription and illegal drugs) will have profound effects when used/abused. Addiction develops quickly and the physical decay begins. As the addictive behavior increases progressively, the addict and those who are involved in their life suffer increasingly.

To provide you with specific and reliabe information about some of these substances, here are some fact sheets and other publications provided by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America.

Methamphetamine     Prescription Painkillers     Ecstacy     Inhalants     Marijuana

(You'll need Adobe Reader installed to view these files. You can get it here)

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If you have any difficulty stopping your drinking, you may be someone who is unable to drink - even one! You can find help by visiting the AA site listed below.

For over 75 years, millions of people have found hope, sobriety and recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous.

Other substances, legal or not, can be so addictive and very hard to stop on your own. You can find help by visiting the NA site listed below.

Narcotics Anonymous is an international, community-based association of recovering drug addicts with more than 33,500 weekly meetings in over 116 countries worldwide.

If you are trying to find a treatment center, here are some places to start:

Within the U.S        Outside the U.S.

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Alcohol and other drugs lower inhibitions and allow for a greater level of sociability. It can also lower self-control and allow for a greater tendency to argue and fight. Resentments towards a partner often get expressed.

If you and your partner drink on a limited basis and there is no other problem related to the drinking, or while not advocating, if you and your partner use other substances recreationally, my counseling advice is that when under the influence of Alcohol or other drugs, Do NOT discuss anything of importance to your relationship.

The old line of "discussing it over a few drinks" is not a concept that contributes positively to a relationship.

If you find yourself in a marriage or relationship with someone you feel has a problem with alcohol or other drugs, follow this link for information and help.