health

It is not easy for others to tell when individuals whom they know have an
alcohol or drug addiction, because addicted people work hard to hide the
addiction. Addicts themselves may have difficulty recognizing the signs
of their addition. Nonetheless, certain signs do suggest that something is
wrong. Typical warning signs in young people include:

• Getting drunk or high on a regular basis
  
• Having to use more alcohol or drugs to get the same effect
• Wanting to quit but being unable to do so
  
• Lying about or hiding the alcohol or drug use
  
• Avoiding friends in order to get drunk or high
  
• Giving up responsibilities and activities, such as homework or sports
  
• Pressing others to drink or use drugs
  
• Taking risks, including having unsafe sex
  
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  
• Getting into trouble with the law
  
• Being kicked out of school for a reason related to alcohol or drugs
  
• Thinking that the only way to have fun is to drink or use drugs
  
• Being unable later to remember actions while drunk or high
  
• Feeling run-down, hopeless, or depressed