Signs of an Alcohol Problem
- Someone who frequently drinks to intoxication,
drinks alone, or whose health suffers from drinking.
- Alcohol has become "too important." Someone is suffering
in his/her academics, job performance or relationships with friends
without recognizing it, or without doing something to change the negative
trend.
- Someone who relies on a drink to get the day going;
needs to drink to relax or deal with stress.
- Someone who suffers memory loss or who gets
violent and/or angry when drinking. Someone whose personality
changes for the worse when he/she drinks, harming friendships and romantic
relationships.
- Someone who drives under the influence or
does stupid stunts when drinking, possibly endangering him/herself and
others
- Someone consistently in trouble with campus or
community authorities for alcohol-related incidents.
How Can You help?
- Decide to do something. Doing nothing doesn't
help your friend and your worry and concern will grow.
- Don't keep it a secret. Express your concerns
and frustrations to someone else, maybe a close friend. Or, contact
the campus counseling center to help you help your friend.
- Make sure the person sees what you see. Be
specific about what you see happening to your friend. Let your friend
know you have been affected as well.
- Be prepared for any number of responses. Your
friend may become very upset and defensive, or may say nothing at all.
Do not take comments made to you personally.
- Be ready to make a commitment. If your friend
wants help, assist him or her with a plan to get help and support. If
your friend responds negatively, make the commitment to try another
time. Sometimes people respond to concern that is repeated. Don't
become a caretaker. Don't give up. Just be a supportive friend.
