Drinking or drug use often starts out as recreational. Over time, it can become a problem if it interferes with daily life. Learn to recognize the signs of a problem with alcohol or drugs.
Factors like genetics, friends, and environment can all have an impact on risk for problems with substances. Knowing what those factors may be can help in addressing your alcohol or drug use.
Drinking and drug use can be common in many settings. For many people, their use of one or both might be casual, and they are aware of their limits. But when drugs or alcohol become engrained into or interfere with your daily life, it may be time to reassess your dependency. Whether you or someone you care about has transitioned from an occasional or social drinker to binge drinking regularly, increased dosage of prescribed opioid medication, or progressed to harder drugs like heroin and methamphetamine, it’s important to seek help and take control of substance use.
It’s not easy to recognize whether someone you know is experiencing problems with substances, much less yourself. Learning how to recognize the signs of addiction can help you determine whether you or a loved one should reach out for support. Doing so is often the first step on the path to recovery.
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CloseWhen drinking casually with friends, we may not look for or recognize signs of alcoholism. Alcohol consumption is so common that addiction and abuse can be difficult to identify, especially in ourselves. There are many ways to enjoy a healthy relationship with alcohol; it’s when drinking starts to interfere with your everyday life that there may be a problem.
Drinking may be a problem if you …
Using alcohol as a tool to manage emotions or moods can seem like a good way to cope. But over time, drinking can affect the rest of your life, including your:
And since our bodies are wired to seek pleasure and relief, you may find it hard to cut down on your own.
If you’re concerned about your drinking habits or you’d like to know more, a confidential self-assessment can help you figure out whether you could benefit from treatment and support.
Many of us drink alcohol on a regular basis, but some of us are more likely to develop problems with alcohol than others. If we’re aware of our risk factors, we can take steps to reduce the likelihood of developing an addiction.
Risk factors you need to know:
Situational factors you can control:
People use prescription or recreational drugs for a variety of reasons: out of curiosity, to relax or socialize, or because a family member or loved one also uses drugs. However, when drug use interferes with your daily life, there may be a problem. If you notice that your use, or a family member’s or friend’s use, gets in the way of sleep, relationships, work, or fulfilling responsibilities — or if it’s significantly affecting your mood — then it may be time to reach out for support. If you’re ready, taking that first step can get you on a path to recovery.
Have you noticed that you …
Many people use drugs to cope with tough situations, and they can provide temporary relief. However, over time, using drugs can affect your work, your finances, your relationships, and your physical health — and the problem can be difficult to control on your own.
If you’re concerned about your drug use, or that of someone you care about, and you’d like more information, Mayo Clinic provides a detailed breakdown of signs and symptoms of drug use by type of substance.
Many people have participated in recreational drug use at some point in their lives, but some of us are more likely than others to develop problems with drugs. Some risk factors may be beyond your control, but knowing the factors that can contribute to substance use problems can empower you to take steps toward reducing your likelihood of developing an addiction.
Risk factors you need to know:
Situational factors you can control: