Are you worried a friend or family member has a problem with alcohol? If you are, answer the following to review the drinking behavior of someone close to you.

Have you noticed a friend or family member:

• Drinking to calm nerves, forget worries or boost a sad mood;
• Showing guilt about drinking;
• Trying unsuccessfully to cut down/stop drinking;
• Lying about habits or hiding drinking habits;
• Causing harm to himself or someone else as a result of drinking;
• Needing to drink increasingly greater amounts in order to achieve desired effect;
• Feeling irritable, resentful or unreasonable when not drinking;
• Having medical, social, family or financial problems caused by drinking;
• Spending a great deal of time getting alcohol and drinking alcohol; or
• Drinking in risky situations such as before driving or before engaging in unwanted/unprotected sex.

If you've noticed one or more of the above behaviors taking place with a friend or family member, please consider talking with a health professional today or getting a referral to speak with a professional at a later date. Help is available for both you and your family member or friend.

What do you do if you think a friend or family member has a problem?

There are many things you can do if you think a friend or family member may have an alcohol problem. You can:

• Let your friend or family member know risky drinking can lead to more severe alcohol problems including alcohol dependence (alcoholism), as well as injuries and having unwanted/unprotected sex;
• Seek out resources in you local community such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Al-Anon, Alateen, mental health clinics, therapists, clergy, doctor, or social workers who are knowledgeable about alcohol problems. Don't let fear or pride stop your efforts to get help for yourself, your friend or family member;
• Use the resources. Do what you can to encourage your friend or family member to get help, but remember, the only person you can change is yourself. Don't hesitate to use the resources to help yourself;
• Don't make excuses for the drinker. Family members often try to protect a loved one from the consequences of their drinking by making excuses to others. Making excuses only allows your loved one to avoid changing for the better;
• Choose a good time to talk with the drinker, such as shortly after an alcohol-related problem has occurred. Choose a time when the friend or family member is are sober, when both of you are calm and when the two of you can speak privately;
• Be specific. Tell the friend or family member you are concerned about their drinking and want to be supportive in getting help. Back up your concerns with examples of the ways their drinking has caused problems for both of you, including the most recent incident;
• Seek out the people and resources that can support you. Keep in mind, you are not alone. There is hope and practical help available in your community.

The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (Link opens in new window) also has many services available to help people who may have a dependency to alcohol or other substances.