It is heartbreaking to hear from a teenager who wants to help their mom get treatment for alcohol and drug abuse. But, at the same time, it is also enlightening to find that even young people can take proactive action to get help for his or her alcoholic or addict parent. You can also be proactive and take action now to help a friend or a loved one stop their alcohol and drug abuse.

If you are concerned that a friend or family member has a drinking or drug problem, pay attention to his or her behavior. Does it seem to occur on a regular basis? Are you often concerned about this person? The first step in getting help is to recognize the signs and symptoms of alcohol or drug abuse. Some of the early signs of alcohol abuse include noticing that the person is getting drunk on a regular basis, lying about how much alcohol he or she is using, having frequent hangovers, having black outs (forgetting what the person did while he or she was drinking). Signs of drug addiction may include the person’s inability to socialize and to perform routine activities, odd behaviors (altered speech, paranoia, lying) and very often, signs of depression (or “feeling down”). Depending on what drug they are using, you may also find drug paraphernalia in his or her surroundings.

But, you may ask:

“When do I know the person really needs help”?
“What if they are only experimenting with alcohol and drugs?”
“Am I not overreacting?”

When a person has a problem with alcohol and/or drugs, most of the signs above occur with frequency. Drug and alcohol abuse can lead to many negative consequences, such as DUIs, broken relationships, family problems, domestic and/or physical violence and other types of trouble with the law.

Addiction begins with use and continues with abuse before becoming a full-blown addiction. If you believe someone you know is an alcoholic or drug addict or is walking on the path to addiction, talk to a alcohol and drug abuse counselor.

There are a number of government services and agencies, as well as private drug and alcohol rehab referral services, including Recovery Connection, which provides FREE information to anyone who calls, 24/7, at 1-800-993-3869.

So, don’t be shy. Your action can help an individual, restore a family, perhaps even save a life. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of helping someone get over their alcohol and drug abuse.