Having drinks after class or work. Smoking a joint to chill out. Popping some pills to help you study. You might feel that alcohol or drugs are an acceptable way to relax or cope, but you can also run the risk of developing a serious problem. 

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Even if you are just experimenting with alcohol and drugs, it can still cause negative consequences in your life. Blackouts, unsafe sex, overdoses, and accidents can happen if you over do it. Substance use can be a slippery slope from use to abuse to dependence. As your body builds up a tolerance, you may need more of that drug to feel the same effects. You may start to spend more time obtaining and using alcohol or drugs, and then recovering from their effects of your use. If you find that you continue to use alcohol or drugs despite negative consequences and you have a loss of control, then you may be suffering from a substance use disorder​.

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Addiction is a serious disease. The craving to use alcohol or drugs can become as strong as the need for food or water. If you become addicted, you may continue using despite serious family, health or legal problems. It is misleading to think that you do not have a problem just because you are doing well with school or work.  Make sure you think about the big picture and the effects on your physical and mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

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Addiction recovery can be a life-long journey. With ongoing peer support, regular monitoring and professional help, you can still live a very full life. You can learn new skills that help you to avoid temptations, to deal with cravings or relapses and to stay sober. Addiction is treatable and with the right help you can go on to live a happy, successful and productive life.

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If you or someone you know may have a problem with alcohol or drugs, let's talk about how I can help you to find some solutions. 

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FOR HELP WITH A SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROBLEM please call me at 312-316-7703. 

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