Problem with Alcohol or Drugs?

At times you may wonder if you have a problem with alcohol and or drugs. The following questions are intended to help you determine whether your use pattern should be of concern. Some referral sources will follow.

Questions to explore:

What are the effects you hope to get from 'using'? e.g.to be more sociable, to be liked and 'fit in' with your friends, to relax, to forget about painful experiences, feelings or thoughts, to be more creative, express what is on your mind, etc.
Are you 'using ' by yourself?
Has your pattern of substance use changed since you first started?
Has your tolerance changed? e.g., does it take more alcohol now to feel a buzz?
Do you have trouble with your memory?
Do you use on a regular basis?
1. during every party/ social gathering
2. every weekend
3. several times a week
4. daily
If you are using alcohol, is it difficult to stop after two or three drinks?
When you attend a social gathering, is it the availability of alcohol and/or drugs that "makes the party"?
Did you use to have personal and or academic goals that are now hard to get motivated for?.
When under the influence, do have great plans to write, compose or do something special, but somehow never follow through?
Have your leisure activities become more limited? e.g. you no longer play tennis, hike as much, read for leisure, etc......
Have you changed your circle of friends based on their 'using 'habits?
Do you feel annoyed when others remark on your 'using' habits?
Do you put yourself at ease by thinking your substance use is no different from that of your friends; that using is part of partying which is part of being a student....etc....
Do you at times think about 'cutting' back, but never get around to it.
Did you previously enjoy your studies and now have trouble attending your classes?
Do you try to find external reasons for why you are no longer doing as well academically? e.g. the classes are not interesting, the professor is boring, etc....
Do you participate in risk-taking behaviors, at times even after experiencing negative consequences? e.g. having unprotected sex, driving under the influence etc...
Do you have financial difficulties as a result of your substance use?
Do you ever feel guilty/ ashamed about your behavior when under the influence?
Do you have alcoholism or addiction in your family history?

If any of your responses to the questions raise concerns, further exploration of your substance use would be helpful. Your concerns deserve your attention regardless of what the final assessment might be. Indeed, you might use a substance or substances in ways that are harmful.

You don't have to be an alcoholic or addict to experience negative effects from the use of alcohol and or drugs. You might have developed an abusive pattern as a way of adjusting to the pressures of university life, and or you may actually experience a physiological as well as psychological addiction to the substance(s) of your choice. As a result, you might need to learn to use in a controlled, more responsible manner or you might benefit from becoming completely abstinent.

If you are a student, you may seek a consultation and/or counseling regarding the substance abuse at the U of O Counseling Center Phone number: (541)346-3227

Other Community based agencies that provide assessment as well as treatment are as follows: Serenity Lane
Phone number: (541)687-1110
Eugene, Oregon

Whitebird, Chrysalis Substance Abuse Program
(541)683-1641
Eugene, Oregon

Note: If you need an assessment for legal purposes other than for the student conduct office, you need to get in contact with a community based agency or psychologist in private practice.

In case you are concerned about substance use of a family member or friend, you are also welcome to seek a consultation at the Counseling Center. The following are some suggestions that might be helpful when sharing your concerns about them:

Before addressing the person of concern, check how you are feeling about him or her. If you are angry, this may not be the optimal time to do so. To have a chance to be heard, you have to come from a caring, non-judgmental place.
Also, you must remain non-defensive; be willing to hear feedback on your own behaviors etc, at a separate time.
Think about what your 'goal' is by confronting the person.
Remember that you cannot change anyone, that you are doing this for yourself and at best are providing an opportunity for awareness and change.
Also, if your concerns are about substance abuse, remember that it is very important that the person is sober when you are about to share.
You may want to begin the conversation by expressing your general feelings about the person;then, state that you have something to share and that you would like the person to 'just hear' you.
State your observations about the person's behavior that is of concern to you as objectively as possible. (No value judgments!)
Then, share your feelings about the behaviors observed.
State your 'limitations' or 'bottom line', if you have one. However, remember if you do, you must follow through!!
You may ask whether the person is open to talking with you more about this .
Be ready to provide referral sources in case the person is interested .
Feel free to contact the UCTC for a consultation.

Written by: Edel Davenport,M.S.,L.P.C./University of Oregon Counseling Center

To learn about what's available at the University of Oregon regarding substance abuse, click here.

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