symptons of alcoholism/addicition

SYMPTOMS OF CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY

1) Growing preoccupation

a) Anticipating the next time to drink or use drugs.
b) Increased involvement in activities relating to alcohol and/or other drug use.
c) Heightened awareness of amount used (ie: keeping careful count).
d) Changing doctors to ensure quantity or type of prescribed drugs.
e) Growing need to drink or use drugs during times at home, at work, or emergencies.

2) Growing rigidness in lifestyle

a) Set time for drinking or using drugs that is not changed without great fanfare.
b) Limiting or avoiding situations where the use of alcohol or drugs is moderate.
c) Avoids or criticize anyone who expresses concern about the use of alcohol or drugs.
d) Frequently carries a supply of alcohol or drugs that is secreted.
e) Frequently makes promises to quit or control the alcohol or drug use (this promise may be tied to someone else having to do something first).
f) Problems managing money develop, regardless of amount of money available.

3) Growing tolerance

a) "Wooden leg", able to consume greater quantities than others.
b) Ingenuity about the source of supply while often hiding the amount:
1) gulping drinks or self appointed bartender making own drinker stronger than others.
2) using multiple physicians/dentists
3) using multiple pharmacies
4) purchasing larger quantities than normally required
　
　
4) Loss of control

a) Blackouts. Periods of chemically induced amnesia
b) Binge periods of use, often followed by lethargy and great remorse.
c) Exceeding prescribed doses routinely.
d) Repeated harmful consequences in important areas of life:
1) legal
2) social
3) family
4) occupational
5) physical
6) spiritual (ie: an increase in cynicism)

5) Growing defensiveness and denial

a) Vague and evasive answers about:

1) chemicals used
2) frequency of use
3) periods of absence from the home
4) telephone calls and visitors
b) Inappropriate affect related to the consequences of chemical use
c) Repeated attempts to change the topic when alcohol or drug use is brought up

6) Medical problems often seen by family

a) Sinus problems (ie: frequent bloody noses)
b) High blood pressure
c) Insomnia and/or extreme periods of sleeping
d) Sexual dysfunction
e) Wide mood swings and changes in personality
f) Violent outbursts
g) Depression and/or talk of suicide

San Diego area talks

* I am presenting an MCLE program on July 16, at noon to the SD North County Bar association on Chemical Dependency in the legal profession/The Other Bar.

* I am presenting Risk Management Strategies to chemical dependency professionals at the SD - NCADD breakfast August 12

Recognition by a true professional!

My Intervention training serviecs are mentioned in a new book due out by Dr. Linnda Durre', called "Surviving the Toxic Workplace"

Her new book is being published by McGraw Hill in April 2010. Look for it, I know you'll learn a lot!