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Alcohol and Drug Problems - Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

Note:

If you suspect the alcohol or drug problem is related to:

Attempted suicide: Go to the topic Suicidal Thoughts or Threats.
Poisoning: Go to the topic Poisoning.


	Yes

Do you think an intoxicated person may need a medical evaluation?


	Yes

Are you having withdrawal symptoms after attempting to stop using alcohol or drugs?


	Yes

Does your use of alcohol or drugs affect your behavior?


	Yes

Do you know or is it possible that you are pregnant?


	Yes

Do you depend on alcohol or drugs to help you through the day?


	Yes

Do you ever have blackouts while using alcohol or drugs?


	Yes

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


	Yes

Do you think the person may have an injury?


	Yes

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


	Yes

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.


	Yes

Are you having severe symptoms of withdrawal?


	Yes

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.


	Yes

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


	Yes

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


	Yes

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


	Yes

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


	Yes

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


	Yes

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.


	Yes

Do you know that you are pregnant?


	Yes

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.


	Yes

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


	Yes

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


	Yes

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


	Yes

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


	Yes

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


	Yes

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


	Yes

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


	Yes

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


	Yes

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.


	Yes

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.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 14, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.