Alcohol Information

Indicators of Trouble With Drugs and/or Alcohol

(Adapted from “How to Help a Friend With a Drinking Problem” by The American College Health Association) 

The following is a list of indicators that will help to alert you to possible substance abuse problems. There is no magic number or combination of indicators which definitively prove that a person has a substance misuse or abuse problem.

However, the existence of several indictors may indicate a pattern of behavior that may need to be investigated further. In such instances you may wish to consult with an individual who has professional experience in dealing with substance misuse/abuse problems.


Boynton Health Service’s health educators provide information to students on the physical, emotional, legal and social effects of chemical use and conduct monthly DWI and alcohol awareness classes. For questions about alcohol assessments, please contact Boynton's Mental Health Clinic at 612 624-1444.

Please keep in mind that the college years are a time when students undergo a number of changes in behavior, attitudes, etc., as they adjust to the collegiate environment. Some of these changes may resemble indictors of a problem with alcohol or other drugs.
Indicators:
Physical Social
Emotional Specific Behaviors
Cognitive  
 

Physical Indicators:

  • Observed abnormalities of skin, eyes, coordination, and speech
  • Pattern of frequent physical illnesses
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Digestive disturbances
  • Evidence of withdrawal
  • Decreased concern about grooming and appearance
  • Passing out

Emotional Indicators:

  • Use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs to deal with emotions
  • Guilt about actions during intoxication
  • Reduced emotional control
  • Dramatic mood swings
  • Guilt about use of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs
  • Anxious reactions
  • Self-abusive behavior
  • Depression

Cognitive Indicators:

  • Decreased attention and concentration spans/Inability to focus on a task
  • Increased forgetfulness
  • Decreased problem-solving skills
  • Blackouts (total memory loss for a period of time)

Social Indicators:

  • Family and other relationship difficulties
  • Financial problems
  • Legal problems
  • Friends who are regular users of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
  • Decreased leisure time activities and interests
  • Poor work record/performance
  • Fighting and/or physical aggression
  • Personality change
  • Offensive behavior or interference with the rights of others

Specific Behaviors:

  • Ignoring or excusing behavior associated with alcohol or other drug use problems, e.g., traffic accidents, physical injuries
  • Acting irresponsibly, e.g., staying out late, not showing up for work, handing in assignments late
  • Maintaining that there is no problem and highlighting other possible causes for observed indicators of a problem
  • Acknowledging that there might be a problem, but that it is no big deal
  • Lowered academic performance
  • Poor judgment and decisions