Addiction and Substance Abuse

Do You Need Help? What Is a Family to Do?

It is not uncommon for family, friends, employers, and even family physicians to be taken in by the denial of an addict/alcoholic.

Identifying the individual who needs professional help for chemical abuse or dependency is not an easy task. When confronted with their alcohol or drug problem, the individual commonly becomes angry and resistant. However, it is necessary for family and friends to confront the individual regarding their behavior.

Unfortunately, chemically dependent individuals are often in relationships that enable their behaviors. Excuses are made for their alcohol use, and partners and friends fail to set limits or consequences. For this reason, it is important to seek outside counsel. This could take the form of an assessment and counseling at an addiction treatment center, participation in a 12-step program such as Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous, or attending a family oriented Al-Anon meeting for education, guidance and support.

The questions of the CAGE questionnaire can help you to identify a problem with substances:

Do you feel the need to cut down on your drinking or drug use?
Are you angry or annoyed by comments about your alcohol or drug use?
Do you feel guilty about your alcohol or drug use?
Have you ever used alcohol or drugs early in the morning to get you through the day?

Yes answers indicate an alcohol or drug problem. When alcohol makes an impact on any aspect of a person's life, there is reason to seek professional help. This is a disease of consequences.

Find Help Near You:

Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator

This material was developed by Addiction Services at Talbot Hall, University Hospitals East, The Ohio State University, and adapted for use on NetWellness with permission, 2008.

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Last Reviewed: Nov 13, 2008

Tom Hartwell Pepper, MD
Medical Director
University Hospital East - Talbot Hall
Department of Psychiatry
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University

Deborah L. Hoy, CNS
Clinical Nurse Specialist
University Hospital East - Talbot Hall
The Ohio State University