Do I have a problem?
If you recognise any of these symptoms, you may have a problem with drugs or alcohol.
Do you:
- think you have a problem?
- use drugs or alcohol nearly all the time?
- use them more often than you used to?
- have to use more to get the same effect?
- fail in your attempts to reduce or stop using them?
- take more drugs or alcohol than you intend to?
- ever use drugs or drink alcohol on your own?
- lie to people about how much you take?
- have problems at work due to your drug or alcohol use?
- have money problems because of how much you take?
What are the dangers to me and my child?
Dangers to you
Drug or alcohol abuse can have serious negative effects on your life. It will never make things better – it only
ever makes things worse.
You risk:
- developing behaviour that may harm yourself, family and friends
- damaging your physical and mental health
- serious injury through accident, overdose or violence
- breaking the law, with a risk of a fine or prison, and a criminal record.
Dangers to your child
Drug or alcohol abuse can greatly affect your child. You may become unable to care for them properly, and unable
to keep to the parenting and maintenance arrangements. This could put your child at risk emotionally and financially,
and in the end you could be prevented from seeing your child.
Danielle’s story
"I’ve always enjoyed a drink and a laugh and when Steve left, I felt awful. The girls would come round to cheer me
up and it was a relief to have a few drinks and a bit of a laugh. My drinking just crept up on me; I’d have a little
drink just to relieve the boredom. I was embarrassed when a friend saw the empty bottles one day. I did have a problem
and it affected how I was with Daisy. I’ve been in touch with a local support group and they’ve given me help
and encouragement. I’m back on track and dealing with some of the things I was avoiding."
Danielle, mother
