Concerned Students
Do I or Does My Friend Have a Drug or Alcohol Problem?
The signs and symptoms of a drug or alcohol problem are not always easy to recognize. Since most drug or alcohol problems develop over time, we may not notice subtle changes within ourselves or others as easily as if they would have occurred overnight. If you even suspect that you or a friend's behavior changes might be related to an alcohol or drug problem, click below to learn more:
Helping a Friend
Being a helpful friend to someone who is struggling with a drug or alcohol problem might be one of the most important things you ever do in your life. It's rare for an alcohol or drug problem to go totally unnoticed. Unfortunately, it's not so rare for even best friends of the person in trouble with these problems to have no idea what to do or not do. If you're at a place where you even suspect that a problem might exist, click here for more detailed instructions on how to help your friend.
Where do I get help?
Students are invited to visit the Counseling Center for free, confidential assessment and counseling services. Some students benefit from more intensive counseling services off-campus. Finally, many students benefit from self-help groups held off campus sponsored by the following organizations.
Alcoholics Anonymous - Alcoholics Anonymous ®, otherwise known as AA, is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. You can find the location and times of local meetings by visiting this website.
Narcotics Anonymous - Similar to AA, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is designed to help to help people with drug problems. As with AA, the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using drugs. Locations and meeting times can be found by visiting the website.
SMART Recovery - An Alternative to AA and NA, Smart Recovery works to support individuals who have chosen to abstain, or are considering abstinence from any type of addictive behaviors (substances or activities), by teaching how to change self-defeating thinking, emotions, and actions; and to work towards long-term satisfactions and quality of life. In addition to a listing of local meetings, the SMART Recovery model offers many on-line meetings per week, where you can participate in a meeting in front of your computer.
Alanon/Alateen - Al-Anon (which includes Alateen for younger members) offers hope and help to families and friends of alcoholics. It is estimated that each alcoholic affects the lives of at least four other people; alcoholism is truly a family disease. No matter what relationship you have with an alcoholic, whether they are still drinking or not, all who have been affected by someone else's drinking can find solutions that lead to serenity in the Al-Anon/Alateen fellowship. Los Angeles County meetings can be found at http://www.alanonla.org.