Columbia University Health Services

There are two basic types of drug and alcohol problems: substance abuse and substance dependence. Substance abuse is a pattern of drug or alcohol use that leads to significant impairment or distress. Substance dependence is what is commonly called an ‘addiction’.  

The following questions can help you evaluate whether you or a friend has a problem with drugs or alcohol:

• When you are stressed, do you drink or use another substance more than usual? 
• Do you look for reasons to get drunk or high? 
• Does anyone in your family have a history of drug or alcohol abuse?  
•   Are you apt to use alcohol or other drugs heavily after getting a bad grade or arguing with a friend? 
• Do you sometimes regret things you said or did while you were drunk or high? 
• Do you need alcohol or another drug to be "yourself" and have a good time?  
•   Do you ever wake up and discover that you cannot remember part of the evening before?  
• Have you ever had difficulty cutting down on your use of alcohol or other drugs?
• Have you ever used drugs or alcohol in situations that are physically dangerous (like driving while intoxicated)? 
•   Have your friends or relatives expressed concern about your drinking or other drug use? 
• Have you ever missed class, work, or social activities due to drinking or other drug use?  
• When you drink, do you usually get drunk? 
• Do you drink or use drugs alone?
• Do you need increasing amounts of alcohol or drugs to get high?
• Do you find that if you stop drinking within several days you develop two or more of the following symptoms:  sweating, high pulse rate, hand tremors, sleeplessness, nausea, anxiety, or agitation?

If you answered ‘yes’ to two or more of these questions, you might consider talking with someone at Counseling & Psychological Services. In counseling, you can consider how the use of alcohol and other drugs affect your relationships, school, work, health and motivation. These services are appropriate for those wondering about their own behavior, or concerned about the substance use of friends or family. Call 212-854-2878 for an appointment.

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