Do I Have A Problem With Alcohol?
Many students don't realize that alcohol problems can start in college. Ask yourself the following 20 questions:
- Do you lose time from classes due to drinking?
- Do you drink because you are uncomfortable in social situations?
- Do you drink to build up your self confidence?
- Is drinking affecting your relationships with friends?
- Do you drink alone?
- Do you drink to escape from studies or home worries?
- Do you feel guilty or depressed after drinking?
- Does it bother you if someone says that maybe you drink too much?
- Do you have to take a drink when you go out on a date?
- Do you get along better with other people when you drink?
- Do you get into financial troubles over buying liquor?
- Do you feel more important when you drink?
- Have you lost friends since you started drinking?
- Do you drink more than most of your friends?
- Have you started hanging around with a crowd that drinks more than your old friends?
- Do you drink until you just couldn't drink anymore?
- Have you ever had a complete loss of memory from drinking?
- Have you ever been to a hospital or been arrested due to drunken behavior?
- Do you turn off to any studies or lectures about drinking?
- Do you think you have a problem with alcohol?
If you answered yes to some of these questions, you have some of the symptoms that indicate a problem with alcohol. Remember, there is no intelligent reason to deny that you have a health problem. If you think you do have a problem, the most important thing is to do something about it! Patterns of heavy drinking in college could lead to more serious problems later. Contact a professional at the Health Center or Counseling Center on campus to learn more.
More Online Alcohol Screenings
Alcohol Screening: College Response
Alcohol Screening.org
E-Chug
Facts On Tap
Physical and Behavioral Symptoms to Watch for in Yourself or a Friend
Physical Symptoms
- Increase or decrease in appetite; changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain.
- Slow or staggering walk; poor physical coordination.
- Changes in sleeping habits -- inability to sleep, awake at unusual times; or unusual sleepiness, laziness, sleeping at strange times.
- Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare.
- Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands.
- Puffy face, blushing or pale skin.
- Smell of substance on breath, body or clothes.
- Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.
- Runny nose; hacking cough.
- Needle marks or bruises on lower arm, legs or bottom of feet.
- Unexplained nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
- Tremors or shakes on hands, feet or head.
- Irregular heartbeat.
Behavioral / Psychological Symptoms
- Change in overall attitude / personality with no other identifiable cause.
- Changes in friends: new hang-outs, avoidance of old crowd, new friends are drug users.
- Change in activities; loss of interest in things that were important before.
- Drop in school or work performance; skips or is late to school or work.
- Changes in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities.
- Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfullness.
- Lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, discipline. Bored, "I don't care" attitude.
- Defensiveness, temper tantrums, resentful behavior (everything's a hassle).
- Unexplained moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.
- Violent temper or bizarre behavior.
- Unexplained silliness or giddiness.
- Paranoia -- suspiciousness.
- Excessive need for privacy; keeps door locked or closed, won't let people in.
- Secretive or suspicious behavior.
- Car accidents, fender benders, household accidents.
- Chronic dishonesty; trouble with police.
- Unexplained need for money; can't explain where money goes; stealing.
- Unusual effort to cover arms, legs.
- Change in personal grooming habits.
- Possession of drug paraphernalia.
Help Is Available
If you are concerned about your own or a friend's drinking behavior, please do not hesitate to call some of the following resources:
On Campus:
Counseling Center554-4172
Health Center 554-4501
Wellness Center554-4409
Off Campus:
Alcoholics Anonymous
(408) 374-8511
274 E. Hamilton Ave.
Campbell, CA
www.aasanjose.org
Al-Anon and Alateen Information
(408) 379-1051
**for family and friends of alcoholics
www.ncwsa.org/scvafg
Narcotics Anonymous
(408) 998-4200
Greater San Jose Area Service Committee
of Narcotics Anonymous
P.O. Box 59114
San Jose CA 95159
www.sjna.org
Source: http://www.drughelp.org/
