Substance Abuse

Alcohol and Drug related problems rank among the nation's most pervasive health and social concerns. They contribute to physical and mental health disorders, criminal activity, automobile crashes, and lost productivity in the workplace or school.

Have you ever questioned whether you or someone you know may have a problem with alcohol and or drugs?

If so, please answer the four questions below.  If you answer one or more questions with a YES, (and you are an employee, immediate  family member of the employee or a student of the University of Cincinnati) Call REACH at 513-556-2506 for a Confidential Evaluation to assess the role that alcohol and or drugs play in your life.

CAGE

1. Have you ever felt you should CUT down on your drinking?
2. Have people ANNOYED you by criticizing your drinking?
3. Have you ever felt bad or GUILTY about your drinking?
4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?(EYE-OPENER)
   

SUBSTANCE ABUSE CHECKLIST
Check any of the following that apply

___ Family members think drinking or other drug use is a problem for me.

___ I drink or get high to deal with tension or physical stress.

___ Most of my friends or acquaintances are people I drink or get high with.

___ I have lost days of school/work because of drinking or other drug use.

___ I have had the shakes when going without drinking or using drugs.

___ I regularly get high or take a drink upon awakening, before eating or while at   
      school/work.

___ I have been arrested for Driving Under the Influence of a substance.

___ I have periods of time that can't be remembered (blackouts).

___ I have tried to quit using substances without success.

___ Once or twice a day I find that my conversation centers on drug or drinking 
       experiences.

___ I often double up and/or gulp drinks or regularly use more drugs than others at 
      parties.

___ I often drink or take drugs to "get ready" for a social occasion.

___ I hide my alcohol/drug use from those close to me so that they will not know how 
      much I am using.

___ I often drink or get high by myself.

___ My drinking or drug use had led to conflict with friends/family.

If you noted three or four of the statements you should be suspicious about the way you use substances.

If you note more than five, it would probably be a good idea to talk about your use of substance with a professional counselor.

REACH has qualified counselors who can assess your situation and provide treatment based on our particular needs. We provide short-term counseling  and make referrals to appropriate treatment providers covered by your insurance. If you are an employee, immediate family member of the employee or a student of the University of Cincinnati,  REACH can help- 513-556-2506.


Links/Organizations

Adult Children of Alcoholics
A Twelve Step program of women and men who grew up in alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional homes  who meet to find freedom from the past and ways to improve today.    www.adultchildren.org

Al-Anon-Alateen
Whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not, Al-Anon offers hope and recovery to all people affected by the alcoholism of a loved one  or friend. Support for friends and families.  www.al-anon.alateen.org

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
An International fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem: it is nonprofessional, self-supporting, nondenominational, multiracial, apolitical, self-help group open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking   problem.  www.aa.org

American Council for Drug Education
Substance abuse prevention and education agency that develops programs and materials based on the most current scientific research on drug use and its impact on society.    www.acde.org

American Society of Addiction Medicine
A national medical specialty society dedicated to educating physicians and improving the treatment of individuals suffering from alcoholism and other addictions.     http://www.asam.org/

Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP)
The casp, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the US Department of Health and Human Services, provide national leadership in the development of policies, programs, and services to prevent the onset of  illegal drug use, to prevent underage alcohol and tobacco use and to reduce the negative consequences of using substances.
http://www.prevention.samhsa.gov/

Cocaine Anonymous
A fellowship of men and women  who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from their addiction; the primary purpose is to stay free from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances, and to help others achieve the same freedom.  www.ca.org

College Drinking Prevention .gov
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism provides strategies and solutions to prevent the harmful consequences of college drinking, based on research.   http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/default.aspx

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
National volunteer organization, with community chapters throughout  the US, whose goal is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.   www.madd.org

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
An international, community based association of recovering drug addicts.   www.na.org

National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA)
A national, nonprofit membership organization working on behalf of children of alcohol and drug dependent parents. Advocates for all children and families affected by alcoholism and other drug dependencies. www.nacoa.net

National Black Alcoholism and Addictions Council (NBAC)
Provides leadership for the prevention and treatment of alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and other drugs of abuse. Represents a cross-section of the larger black community, interested citizens, recovering alcoholics, counselors, administrators, politicians   and businesspersons.  http://www.nbacinc.org/

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI)
Federal resource for information about substance abuse prevention and treatment, offering more than 500 items from various government and other educational organizations, to the public. Many publications are free of charge.  www.health.org