Alcohol Abuse Health Center

Has the person stopped using alcohol or drugs, but he or she is difficult to wake up or cannot stay awake?

Do you think the person may have an injury?

Has the person who is confused or not acting normal vomited more than one time?

Do you feel uncomfortable caring for the person because you cannot provide a safe environment?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Are you having severe symptoms of withdrawal?

Are you having mild symptoms of withdrawal?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Have you abused a child or intimate partner while using alcohol or drugs?

Has your use of drugs or alcohol harmed your relationships with your family or friends?

Do you often drive a car or operate machinery when you are drunk, high, or hung over?

Have you missed any days of work or school during the past year because you were drunk, high, or hung over?

Have family members or friends tried to get you to cut down on alcohol or drugs?

Do you sometimes go on binges with alcohol or drugs?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Do you know that you are pregnant?

Do you think you might be pregnant?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Do you ever think you should cut down on your drinking or drug use?

Do you do or say things when you are drinking or high that you regret or feel guilty about later?

Do you take alcohol or drugs to "get going" or to treat withdrawal symptoms?

Do you have any physical signs of alcohol or drug dependence?

Do you tell yourself you can stop using alcohol or drugs anytime you want?

Have you ever tried to stop using alcohol or drugs but were unable to do so?

Have you tried to control your use of alcohol or drugs by changing from one type of drink or drug to another?

Do you envy people who can use alcohol or drugs without getting into trouble?

Do other people criticize your drinking or drug use?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Have you ever had a blackout while using alcohol or drugs?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

You have answered "Yes" to a question that indicates you may need immediate care. Call your health professional now to discuss your symptoms and arrange for your care.

• Symptoms are likely to worsen without medical care.
• If you do not have a health professional, seek emergency care.
• Emergency transportation is not needed. However, if you are not able to travel safely either by driving yourself or having someone else drive you, call an ambulance.

You do not need to answer any of the other questions.

You have answered "Yes" to a question that indicates you need to call your health professional to discuss your symptoms and arrange for care.

• An appointment today is usually needed.
• Symptoms are unlikely to improve without medical care.

Return to the Check Your Symptoms section and answer the questions. You may need to see a health professional sooner if you have other more serious symptoms.

You have answered "Yes" to a question that indicates you may wait to see if your symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or the specified time period). If symptoms improve, no appointment is needed.

• If symptoms do not improve after 24 hours (or the specified time period), an appointment within the next 24 hours is usually needed.
• If appropriate, try home treatment to relieve your symptoms.
• Check your symptoms in 24 hours, or sooner if there is any change.
• Call your health professional if symptoms get worse.

Return to the Check Your Symptoms section and answer the questions. You may need to see a health professional sooner if you have other more serious symptoms.