Stop and think about it.  Your friend may have an alcohol or other drug problem.

Here are some additional signs of drug or alcohol abuse.

• Increased interest in alcohol or other drugs;  talking about them, talking about buying them, or increased interest in them
• Owning drug paraphernalia, such as pipes, hypodermic needles, or rolling papers.
• Having large amounts of cash or always being low on cash.
• Drastic increase or decrease in weight.
• Slurred or incoherent speech, or "off the wall" subject matters.
• Withdrawal from others, frequent lying, depression, or paranoia.
• Dropping out of school activities.

If your friend acts this way, it is not a guarantee that he or she has an alcohol or other drug problem. You need to compare behavior now to behavior in the past.  But it's better to say something and be wrong than to say nothing and find out later that you were right to be worried.

How to talk to a friend who is in trouble.

• Plan ahead what you want to say and how you want to say it.
• Pick a quiet and private time to talk.
• Don't try to talk about the problem when your friend is high or drunk.
• Use a calm voice and don't get into an argument with your friend.
• Let your friend know  you care.
• Ask if there is anything you can do to help.  Find out about local hotlines and drug-abuse counseling and offer to go along with him or her.
• Don't expect your friend to like what you're saying.  But stick with it , the more people who express concern, the better the chances of your friend getting help.
• Remember - It's not your job to get people to stop using drugs.  Only they can decide to stop.

Take control of your life and decide not to use drugs!

• Look for help.  Talk about the situation with someone who knows about drug abuse and helping abusers.
• Skip parties where you know there will be alcohol or other drugs.
• Hang out with friends who don't need alcohol or other drugs to have fun.
• Get involved with drug-free activities.  Ask your friends to join.

Take a Stand!

• Remind friends that buying or possessing illegal drugs (even for someone else) is against the law.  Penalties for drug-related offenses are harsh and can include loss of benefits like student loans.
• Remind friends that using intravenous drugs places them at risk of getting AIDS.
• Organize drug-free activities (dances, movies, community service projects, walk-a-thons or marathons, etc.) to raise money for charities.
• Organize an anti-drug rally.
• Tell police, a teacher, or parents about drug dealers in your school or community, and about drug users.

For more information.

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug information (NCADI)

PO Box 2345

Rockville, MD 20847-2345

800-729-6686 or 301-468-2600

Distributes a wide range of free information on alcohol and drugs.  Information is available in Spanish and English.

800-662-HELP

This toll-free, 24-hour hotline can tell you how and where to get help for alcohol and other drug problems.