Friend or Family Member Questionnaire

Questionnaire Interpretation:

• If you checked any of the boxes in Section 1, your friend or family member may have an alcohol/other drug problem.

• If you checked any of the boxes in Section 2, you may need help handling this person's drinking/using problem in a way that protects both of you.

• Please consider getting help for your friend or family member and/or for you by talking with a substance abuse or health professional today or getting a referral to speak with a professional at a later date. To receive a referral please contact us today at:

What to do if you think a friend or family member may have an alcohol or other drug problem:

• Let your friend or family member know that risky drinking/using can lead to more severe substance abuse problems including addiction (alcoholism/drug dependence), as well as injuries and unwanted/unprotected sex.

• Seek out resources locally such as the Addiction Resource Council, AA, Al-Anon, Alateen, as well as mental health clinics, therapists, clergy, doctors, and social workers who are knowledgeable about substance abuse problems. Don’t let pride or fear block your efforts to get help for yourself and your friend or family member.

• Use the resources. Do what you can to encourage your friend or family member to get help, but remember the only person you can change is yourself. Don’t hesitate to use the resources to help yourself.

• Don’t make excuses for the drinker/user. Family members often try to protect a loved one from the consequences of his or her drinking/using by making excuses to others. Making excuses allows your loved one to avoid changing for the better.

• Choose a good time to talk with the drinker/user, such as shortly after an alcohol- or other drug-related problem has occurred. Choose a time when he or she is sober/clean, when both of you are calm and when you can speak privately.

• Be specific. Tell the person that you are concerned about his or her drinking/using and want to be supportive in getting help. Back up your concern with examples of the ways in which his or her drinking has caused problems for both of you, including the most recent incident.

• Seek out the people and resources that can support you (see below). Keep in mind that you are not alone. There is hope and help and healing available in your local community.