Warning Signs
Typical signs that a youth or adult may be in trouble with alcohol or other drugs include:
Unsuccessful attempts to quit or cut down use of alcohol or other drugs
Concern from others about this person's use of alcohol or other drugs
Difficulties with the law, work or school related to the use of alcohol or other drugs
Regrets or guilt about things the person has said or done when under the influence
Unexplained mood swings or depression
Possession of drug-related materials, secretiveness, strange phone calls
Withdrawing from family, isolation
Some additional warning signs for youth include:
Signs of intoxication including a strong odor of mouthwash, cologne, mints, gum or vanilla
Red and/or watery eyes, dilated or very small pupils
New friends who rarely come to your home
Sneaking out, breaking curfew or withdrawing from family
Mysterious increases in cash or sudden sale of possessions
If some of these signs look familiar, call the Independence Center for a free telephone consultation. A counselor will offer helpful information and may suggest an evaluation. You also may take an online screening for alcohol-related issues.
Evaluation is the First Step
To request an evaluation, you don't need to be certain that alcohol or other drugs are the problem. The purpose of an evaluation is to decide if alcohol or other drugs are a problem. If there is a problem, the evaluator can help you find the best program to help, even when that help comes from a different agency.
Robin's parents were not sure what to do with her. They knew she drank sometimes, but so did most teens. Besides, she was on the honor roll and in Junior Olympics. She had been obviously intoxicated when she recently destroyed their entryway. Robin's parents brought her in for an evaluation.
During an evaluation, a counselor determines the person's level of alcohol or other drug use and makes recommendations and referrals on substance abuse-related issues. This thorough evaluation includes an alcohol/drug history and assessment test. The counselor also visits with family members and others about their concerns and questions regarding the person's alcohol/drug use. Evaluations are available Monday through Friday by appointment and as needed for emergencies. An evaluation does not require a person to do anything. It is only a recommendation.
If a person won't come in for an evaluation, you have options. You may view an intervention seminar on videotape or DVD and also may receive individual coaching from a counselor. These will give you some ideas on how to intervene.
Sometimes the opportunity to help someone with an alcohol or drug-related problem occurs when the person is hospitalized for another medical reason. With a doctor's order, intervention nurses can evaluate patients in any Lincoln hospital.
Expect Reluctance
Most people resist going to treatment. Dealing with their reluctance is part of the treatment process. Treatment can be effective whether or not people have a sincere desire to start. We'll give you support and techniques for encouraging a person to carry through on recommendations.
Once a person starts the treatment process, he/she often begins to see that alcohol/drug use is causing problems. In many cases, the same person who resisted entering treatment feels grateful to receive help.
Please Call
For more information or to schedule an evaluation, call the Independence Center. Confidential information and crisis assistance is available 24 hours a day.
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