Things to think about
Did you know that using drugs and alcohol can…
- Affect your mood and your thinking while using and after using?
- Get you in legal or financial trouble, and hurt your relationships?
- Result in serious injury to you or other people?
- Mess up your chances with a job?
- Increase your risk of getting HIV or STDs?
Warning signs of a problem with drugs or alcohol include:
- Using often
- Advice from a health care provider not to use prescription medication or drink
- Having frequent hangovers or feeling sick when you don’t use
- Feeling run-down, depressed, or even suicidal
- Having “blackouts” — forgetting what you did while using
- Giving up activities or avoiding your friends and family who don’t use
What to do when you’re feeling low
- Contact a trusted friend, family member, sponsor, or counselor and tell them how you feel.
- Find a nearby recovery group
- Find a healthy way to release anger or other emotions like exercise, writing, or drawing
- Contact the 24/7 suicide hotline or call 911 if you feel unsafe.
- Find a pleasurable activity to distract yourself such as taking a walk or listening to your favorite music.
- Visit the emergency room if you need immediate care.
National Suicide Prevention Line: 1-800-273-8255
UM Crisis Services: 734-996-4747
Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1
Safe handling of medication
- Dispose of all unused or expired medications at a pharmacy or local safe disposal bin
- Keep potentially harmful or addictive medications locked away from children or pets
- Make sure that you or those around you have access to Narcan, a lifesaving medication for opioid overdose. You can purchase Narcan at most pharmacies without a prescription or speak to your doctor about a prescription
- If you feel that you are at risk of relapse, contact your doctor, 911, or a crisis line
SAMHSA Addiction Hotline: 1-800-662-4357
