Coping with Substance Abuse

Some information and Internet links

Coping with Substance Abuse

Index

Information
Internet Links
CSULB Referrals

INFORMATION 
If you aren't sure whether you (or someone you care about) has a problem with alcohol or drug use, then check out the websites below that offer questions and information about how much is too much.  The user may believe that he/she can control substance usage.  Here are some simple questions for the user to ask his/herself:

1. Do you regularly use the alcohol or drug with the intention of "getting high"?

2. Do you use it regularly several times per week, or regularly given certain conditions?

3. Try stopping entirely for 6 weeks.  If you can successfully do that, then you have probably not reached a critical stage yet.  What does the thought of stopping for six weeks do?  Does it raise anxiety?  That is a sign of dependence.

4. Do you use it alone?

5. Have you ever been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or another substance?

6. Do you sometimes use it before noon?

7. Do you miss (or even crave) it when you go longer than usual between uses?

8. Do you use it regularly as a method of reducing a negative emotion (stress, nervousness, guilt, boredom, depression, social anxiety, resentment, etc.)?  Using it as a stress-reducer makes it a powerful reinforcer, because it gives you powerful, immediate relief.  The problem is that making it a powerful reinforcer is a root cause of psychological addiction.  Therefore, using it regularly to control emotions (feel better) is one of the most telling signs that you have (or will soon have) a serious drug addiction problem.  

9. You may hear that marijuana or some other drug isn't addicting.  It may be true that they are less physically addicting than heroin, but they may still be as psychologically addicting (as described above).  It is the psychological dependence that is probably the hardest to break.  

Alcohol and drugs (even some legal medications) abuse can cause permanent and severe physical, mental, and psychological damage. ["Yes" answers to any of the above questions are signs of a serious dependence problem.  If the answer was "yes" to several questions, then there is little doubt that you have a serious substance abuse problem.]

If you have any question about whether you or someone you care about has a problem with substance abuse, get help immediately for that person (if they are willing).  If they are not willing, get help about how to get them to help.  If the person is a family member or other person very close to you, and you frequently interact with this person, then you may need help about how to deal with this person.  You may even be accidentally supporting their substance abuse by helping support them in some way.  Protecting a drug-dependent person from the natural consequences of his/her abuse is often called "codependence."  Al Anon is free and specializes in helping people in relationships with drug-dependent persons. 

Whether you are a user or close to a user, go to the www.anonymousone.com website to find free meetings that you can attend. Or, look up a 12-step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or Al Anon in your phone book.  They will tell you where the meetings are and their times.  Almost all people who successfully overcome substance abuse permanently have been regular members of a 12-step program.  At first some people find aspects of the meetings or people they don't like.  Later, when they are really ready to start recovery, they suddenly find that these criticisms are trivial, and the program can really help them.  Often the program is the only thing that can help them--especially if they can't afford an expensive treatment program. 

Don't wait, with every use of the substance, the problem gets worse.

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INTERNET LINKS 

Substance Abuse Information and Help

**** AnonymousOne.  Start here for a comprehensive list of 12-step programs, Medical Treatment Programs, and all sorts of additional types of help. 
http://www.anonymousone.com/main.htm

*** Web of Addiction Fact Sheet
Links to major national sources of information about addictions.
www.well.com/user/woa/facts.htm 

***Virtual Pamphlet Collection of the University of Chicago--SEE ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Free online pamphlets about relationships and many other topics written by psychologists and other counselors from University Counseling Centers across U.S.A.
http://counseling.uchicago.edu/vpc

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**** Book: Codependent No More.
A classic that has helped millions in codependent relationships.  If you are in one, or know someone who is, get this book.
Melodie Beatty

GO TO: book_sites.htm

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CSULB REFERRALS

CSULB Student Services

CSULB Student Health Center
The Student Health Center provides medical services, preventive health and health education programs to registered students. A highly trained and experienced staff of licensed physicians, registered nurses and other health care professionals are dedicated to your health and well being. Appointments: 562-985-1638  Telephone: 562-985-4771
http://www.csulb.edu/centers/shc/hrc/index.htm

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
CSULB students can obtain free counseling from licensed psychologists for almost any type of personal problem including relationships and family problems; stress, anxiety, depression, anger, grief; academic-related concerns; career decision-making; crises; and almost any type of self-development issue.  We offer individual and group counseling, workshops, and self-help materials including this website. Brotman Hall, Room 226; 562-985-4001; website: www.csulb.edu/~caps

Other student services and student organizations may also be helpful
Go to CSULB student information page for a comprehensive list of student services and activities

Self-Help and other resources on this website (and site map)