Skip to main content

Help Stop Substance Abuse

Learn the signs of alcohol/substance abuse and how you can take action if needed.

Alcoholism is a chronic disease that affects a person for an entire lifetime. There are four main symptoms present when someone is dealing with alcohol dependence:

  • Craving — Having a strong need or urge to drink alcohol
  • Loss of control — Not being able to stop drinking once drinking has started
  • Physical dependence — Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shakiness and anxiety after drinking has stopped
  • Tolerance — Needing to drink greater amounts of alcohol to get high

Do you have a problem with alcohol abuse?

If you think you might have a problem, ask yourself:

  • Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
  • Have you been annoyed if others expressed concern about your drinking?
  • Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking?
  • Have you ever had to drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?

If so, help is available. Take action today.

Communicate your concerns to a friend or parent, contact a JCCC counselor, reach out to Alcoholics Anonymous at 816-471-7229, Al-Anon/Alateen at 816-373-8566 or 913-384-4653 or Narcotics Anonymous at 1-800-561-2250.

If someone you know is abusing substances:

  • Refuse to join in the behavior.
  • Safely intervene to point out unacceptable behavior.
  • Tell the individual that you want to help them. You can make a positive difference in someone's life.
  • Encourage them to contact a counselor or local AA or NA group. Offer to go with them for support.