SUBSTANCE ABUSE SCREENINGS

Alcohol Screenings

Internet screenings:

www.guidetofeelingbetter.org

www.alcoholscreening.org

http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/default/en_about_aa.cfm?pageid=4

Phone or personal screening:

To take a free, confidential alcohol screening and receive a free mental health consultation by phone or in person call 859–431–1077.

About Screenings

Free valid reliable screening questionnaires are a good first step to help an individual recognize the signs mental disorders and help in discovering if a mental illness might be present. Substance abuse and mental disorders can be complicated illnesses and no single questionnaire or test can be used to accurately diagnose this illness. Accurate diagnosis is obtained only through a thorough evaluation with a physician. The Mental Health Association offers only nationally accepted research-based screening tools that ensure the most reliable results, however, they are not meant to take the place of an evaluation by a physician or a mental health professional.

A positive result from screening questionnaires suggests that an individual could benefit from a comprehensive substance abuse or mental health screening. Regardless of the results of the surveys, if there are still concerns, contact your physician and/or mental health professional.

The Mental Health Association of Northern Kentucky can guide individuals to local mental health physicians, psychologist, hospitals, extended care facilities and other support services. The Mental Health Association of Northern Kentucky does not endorse or recommend the use of any specific treatment plan or medication.

Warning Signs of Teen Drug Use/Abuse

• Abrupt changes in attendance, quality of work, work output, grades, discipline

• Unusual flare-ups or outbreaks of temper

• Withdrawal from responsibility

• General change in overall attitude

• Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming

• Wearing of sunglasses at inappropriate times

• Continual wearing of long-sleeved clothing particularly in hot weather

• Association with known substance abusers, or suddenly popular with new friends who are older and unknown to family members

• Unusual borrowing of money – or stealing – from friends, co-workers and family members

• Secretiveness or desperation for money

• Inappropriate overreaction to mild criticism

• Use of odd words

• Paranoia

• Car accidents and other accidents, like falling down

• Chronic dishonesty

• Smoking cigarettes

• Heavy use of over-the-counter medications to reduce eye irritation, nasal irritation and bad breath

• Secretive behavior regarding actions and possessions; poorly concealed attempts to avoid attention and suspicion such as frequent trips to storage rooms, restrooms, basement, etc.

• Abrupt change in behavior

• Shortened attention span such as slurred speech, jumbled thinking

• Deteriorating judgment and short-term memory loss

• Any change in eating behavior that would cause rapid weight gain or loss

• Extreme behavioral changes such as hallucinations, violence, and unconsciousness

• Unprescribed or unidentifiable pills

• Strange articles that might be used as drug paraphernalia

• Slow staggering walk, poor physical coordination

• Change in sleep pattern

• Red, watery eyes; pupils very large or small; blank stare

• “I don't care” attitude

• Going out almost every night

Adolescence is a time of physical and attitudinal changes. Some of the signs and symptoms of drug use/abuse are typical adolescent behavior. However, if your gut reaction is that your child’s behavior is unusual, or if your child exhibits several of these signs/symptoms, a substance abuse assessment is warranted.

When parents become suspicious, many want to rush to have a urine drug screen done. Your family physician can do this. However, since many substances do not stay in the substance long, an assessment by a qualified substance abuse professional is recommended.

Warning Signs of Adult Substance Abuse

• Social use of substances occurs more heavily and more often.

• Blackouts (temporary loss of memory which is different from passing out) occur more frequently.

• Will hide or sneak use of substances from family and friends.

• Inability to quit using once starting.

• Using excuses for use such as pressures from job.

• Needing a substance to get going in the morning.

• May develop anti-social behavior

• Loss of friends, family and job

• Seeking medical attention because their use is causing physical and/or mental problems.

• May go in binges of using substances for long periods of time.

• May get the shakes or tremors.

• Continued denial that a problem exists.

• Problems with the legal system (alcohol and drug related charges like DUI and possession)

If you recognize these symptoms in yourself, see a qualified substance abuse professional immediately. If you recognize these symptoms in a loved one, an intervention is warranted. A qualified substance abuse therapist can help you organize and facilitate an intervention to encourage your loved one to seek treatment. If your loved one refuses, attend Al-Anon and seek therapy to guide you in how to deal with the situation.