Warning Signs for Adults Who May Have Emotional Or Substance Abuse Related Disorders

Excessive use of alcohol and/or other mood altering substances; dependence on a substance to cope with stressful situations.
Inability to limit or stop the use of a substance at will; drinking before noon; craving a mood altering substance.
Trouble at work, absenteeism; arrests for driving under the influence or related legal problems; conflict with family members as a result of using a mood altering substance.
Blackouts or periods of impaired memory while intoxicated, hangovers for more than two consecutive days; liver problems, D.T.'s (delirium tremens), shaking, hearing voices, seeing things that are not there, vomiting.
Feelings of guilt, emptiness, worthlessness, helplessness, and hopelessness which can lead to thoughts or actions of self harm, or a persistent thought that life is not worth living, wishing “it would all go away.”
Difficulties with sleep; changes in appetite resulting in unintended weight loss or gain; changes in sex drive.
Mood swings; overwhelming and persistent feelings of sadness, excessive worrying leading to physical symptoms, including panic.

Warning Signs for Adolescents Who May Have Emotional Or Substance Abuse Related Disorders

No one knows an adolescent better than the parent. The most important factor to be aware of is the occurrence of significant changes in patterns of behavior. When in doubt about an adolescents behavior, it is best to have a mental health professional assess the adolescent in order to offer recommendations.

Neglect of, or radical change in appearance
Falling grades, skipping school, trouble with school authorities
Runaway behavior
Fighting, ongoing conflict in the home, destruction of property, fire setting, cruelty to animals
Secrecy, lying, stealing, always in need of money or acquiring objects without a known means of payment
Changes in appetite resulting in unintended weight loss or gain
Mood swings

Difficulty falling asleep, interrupted sleep, early morning awakening, insomnia, excessive need to sleep, nightmares, bedwetting, sleepwalking
Use, or suspected use of alcohol; illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs
Change in circle of friends, social isolation, change in music preference, inappropriate sexual behavior, cult activities
Talking about death, expressing a desire to die or be dead, writing or drawing about death, self-inflicted injuries, increase in proneness to accidents, giving away personal belongings

For More Information Or Assistance Please Call

1-800-226-0301
(toll free)
or
1-727-449-0300

Or Send Email Directly To
Fairwinds Treatment Center

fairwinds@fairwindstreatment.com