Alcohol and other drug abuse and addictions are major health and safety concerns in the United States, with costs running into the billions of dollars annually for health care, related injuries and loss of life, property destruction, loss of productivity and more. The information in this fact sheet will help you to recognize risk factors and symptoms of substance abuse and where you can go locally to get help.

The causes of alcohol or other drug abuse and addiction are complex, with heredity, environment, and social factors all playing a part. However, some specific risk factors are associated with substance abuse by youth. These risk factors are:

• Children of alcohol and other drug-abusing parents are at higher risk for developing substance abuse, mental health and related problems.

• Poor parenting skills

• A lack of positive relationships

• Poor social skills

• Gets easily frustrated

• Poor school performance

• Excessively shy and/or aggressive behavior

• Socializing with others who abuse drugs and/or alcohol

• The belief that parents, teachers, and other key adults in the community approve of drug abusing  behavior.

It is particularly important to address risk factors early. The younger a person starts drinking or using drugs, the more likely that person is to develop an addiction. In fact, young people who begin to drink or use drugs before the age of 15 are four times more likely to become addicted than if they wait until they are 21 to drink, regardless of other hereditary or environmental factors.

This self-administered tool can help you decide if you or a loved one needs substance abuse help. Ask these four questions:

Although denial may be a problem for some people, one positive answer provides an indication that the person may be at risk for developing a problem with alcohol or other drugs.

GETTING HELP

Effective substance abuse prevention programs teach skills and support the development of a healthy lifestyle that includes:

• Having good relationships with family and friends

• Involved parents who set and enforce rules

• Success in school

• Involvement with family, school and religious organizations

• A belief that illegal drug use is unacceptable

Your local healthcare or mental health professional can suggest ways to cope and better understand substance abuse problems. There is a network of mental health facilities in the Kansas City metro area that can help with these problems. The Community Mental Health Centers listed below provide a network of treatment, referrals and support. For more information, visit our website at www.mentalhealthkc.org.