Getting Help

Do I Have a Problem With Alcohol or Drugs?

Take a look at the following symptoms and ask yourself honestly, "Do some of these apply to me?" Keep in mind that almost no one has them all.

• My drinking or drug use sometimes causes problems.
• I sometimes set limits on the amount I will drink or use and then exceed those limits.
• I sometimes make promises to myself or someone else about drinking and drugging and then break those promises.
• I sometimes lie about or try to hide the frequency and/or amount of my drinking or drug use.
• I sometimes forget or deny things that happen when I was intoxicated or high on drugs.
• I sometimes behave very differently when intoxicated or high on drugs than when sober or clean, almost as if I'm a different person.
• I sometimes tend to avoid social functions where alcohol and/or drugs may not be available.
• I've embarrassed, angered, or frightened other people when I was drunk or high.
• I have a very high tolerance − that is, I can drink a lot without acting or feeling highly intoxicated.
• I sometimes feel guilty, embarrassed, or remorseful about things I said or did while intoxicated or high on drugs.
• I occasionally drink or use drugs in the morning or early in the day to treat a hangover or to avoid the shakes or other withdrawal symptoms.

How many "yes" answers do you need to diagnosis a problem? It depends. If you answered "yes" to one or more, then it may be worth taking a closer look.

How to Help a Friend

You know someone who has a problem with alcohol and/or drugs, and you want to help. Where do you start, and where do you stop?

Often, people want to find a way to help their friend or loved one who may have an alcohol and/or drug problem. Some may try an intervention, which refers to an attempt to bring a person closer to understanding or accepting how alcohol or other drug is negatively affecting their life.

Consider the following steps when planning an intervention with a friend or loved one.

• Pay Attention: Specifically identify any alcohol/drug related behaviors that seem to interfere with an individual's relationships, work, classes, and/or health among other aspects.
  • It may help to write down the behaviors you observe and see that are specifically related to their alcohol/drug use causing you concern.
  • Write what you see as it arises including when and where it occurred and the resulting negative outcome.
• Share concerns: Talk with the individual respectfully and honestly about what you focusing on specific behavior and the negative consequences that cause you concern.
• Avoid blaming or judging them because it can be counterproductive, and avoid providing a rationale for their behavior or trying to "fix" them.
• Listen: Carefully listen to the individual's response without expecting anything in return. Your job is to offer your undivided attention regardless of how they respond or what they say.
• Offer Alternative: State what steps you want them to take, whether it is a visit with a counselor, or simply a behavior change.
• Offer Support: Tell them what you are willing to do to help them meet your expectations.
  • Always let them know that the door is open to discuss the matter at a future time.
  • Clearly state the actions you will take if they refuse to change behavior.
  • If they fail to follow through, seek additional help from a trusted friend or trained professional.
  • Regardless of how scary it is to help a friend, remind yourself that you are doing this because you care about them.

Additional "How to Help" Resources

Where to Get Help

Help at UT Austin

Alcohol & Drug Education Program
Health Promotion Resource Center
University Health Services
Call (512) 475-8252 to make an appointment or come by SSB 1.106

UT Counseling & Mental Health Center
SSB Fifth Floor
(512) 471-3515
24-Hour hotline: (512) 471-2255

Center for Students in Recovery
University Health Services
Call (512) 475-8352, email Ivana Grahovac at: i.grahovac@uhs.utexas.edu, or come by the School of Social Work Basement

Join other students who are actively involved in recovery from any type of addiction to help nurture their sobriety and excel in school. CSR also is a resource for people seeking information about recovery and what steps to take in order to stop hurting, and start healing.

Help in Austin

Origins Recovery Center
4610 Padre Boulevard
South Padre Island, TX 78597
(956) 772-9200

La Hacienda Solutions
Outpatient Treatment
2100 Kramer Lane
Austin, Texas 78758
(512) 835-1994

Northwest Counseling Center
Outpatient Counseling & Treatment
12335 Hymeadow Dr., Suite 400
Austin, Texas 78750
(512) 250-9355

Developmental Counseling Center
Outpatient Counseling & Treatment
4403 Manchaca Rd., Suite B
Austin, Texas 78745
512-383-1036 or 512-423-8551

Austin Recovery
Inpatient Detoxification
Inpatient & Outpatient Treatment
8402 Cross Park Dr.
Austin, Texas 78754
Main: (512) 997-0101
Admissions: (512) 821-1739

Shoal Creek Hospital
Inpatient Detoxification
Inpatient & Outpatient Treatment
3501 Mills Avenue
Austin, Texas 78731
(512) 452-0361

Executive Health Services
Addiction Medicine
Outpatient Detoxification
6406 North IH 35, Suite 1805
Austin, Texas 78752 (512) 474-5904

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Hill Country Inter-group
1339 Lamar Square Dr., #103
Austin, Texas 78704
(512) 444-0071

Al-Anon / Alateen
1307-G Treadwell
Austin, Texas 78704
(512) 441-8591

Help Outside of Austin

La Hacienda Treatment Center
Inpatient Detoxification
Inpatient Treatment
FM 1340
Hunt, Texas 78024
(800) 749-6160

Starlight Recovery Center
Inpatient Detoxification
Inpatient Treatment
230 Mesa Verde Drive East
Center Point, Texas 78010
(830) 634-2212

The Arbor
Inpatient Treatment
90 Day Drug and Alcohol Rehab Program
1443 County Road 103
Georgetown, Texas 78626
Phone: (512) 869-5455
Toll Free: (877)475-5545

Hazelden Center City
Adult Services
15245 Pleasant Valley Rd.
Center City, MN 55012-0011
Phone: (651) 213-4200
Toll Free: (800) 257-7810

Memorial Hermann Prevention and Recovery Center
Inpatient Detoxification
Inpatient Treatment
Specialized Young Adult Program
3043 Gessner
Houston, TX 77080
Phone:(713) 329-7300
Toll Free: (877) 464-7272

Timberlawn Mental Health System
Inpatient Detoxification
Inpatient /Outpatient Treatment
Dual Diagnosis
4600 Samuell Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75228
Phone: (214) 381-7181
Toll Free:(800) 426-4944

Help on the Internet