Substance misuse is often spotted by friends of the person misusing drugs rather than the user. Here are two guides, the first to spot misuse in yourself and the second, if you are worried for a friend or relative.

SPOTTING DRUG MISUSE IN YOURSELF

1. Is your use of drugs resulting in problems at work, school, or home, for example are you late, not completing tasks or achieving deadlines or neglecting your children?

2. Have you used drugs in a situation where it may be dangerous, for example driving or in charge of children?

3. Do you use despite having social or relationship problems caused or made worse by it?

4. Do you find you need to use more of your chosen drug to get the same effect it used to give you?

5. Do you find yourself using drugs over a longer period than intended, for example the day after a night out?

6. Do you ever feel a desire to cut down or control its use?

7. Are you spending more time in activities to obtain, use, or recover from the effects?

8. Have you stopped socialising, spending time with colleagues or taking part in leisure activities?

9. Are you continuing or feeling compelled to use drugs despite noticing physical or psychological problems that are made worse by them, for example do you take drugs even though you know it lowers your mood?

10. Has your use resulted in legal problems, for example being cautioned or arrested for disorderly conduct?

If you answer yes to a few or more of the questions above it is likely that you are misusing drugs. If you are worried contact one of the organisations below or speak to your GP.

SPOTTING SUBSTANCE MISUSE IN OTHERS

Occasional use of drugs is often hard to spot in people close to us. However, if someone is using drugs regularly their behaviour may change. If you suspect a friend, family member or colleague may be misusing drugs, Look out for the following signs:

1.Have you noticed unexplained moodiness?

2.Is their recent behaviour out of character, such as losing their temper easily or appearing unusually sedated or hyped up at times…they might not be able to cope with their usual responsibilities at home or at work, such as paying the household bills or being on time for meetings.

3.Have they lost interest in everyday activities or work?

4.Have there been any unexplained loss of possessions or money?

5.Are they becoming secretive and evasive about their lifes, such as where they have been, what they have been doing or who they were with?

6.Do they look tired and unwell?

7.Do they exhibit signs of being intoxicated or under the influence of something?

8.Are they angry when confronted about drug use?

9.Have you noticed unusual smells or objects in their home or on their person that are associated with drug use, such as silver foil or cigarette papers?

10. Have they had any involvement in criminal activity?

If you have answered yes to a few or more of the questions above it may be necessary to confront the person about their drug use. Before you do we recommend you talk to one of the following organisations:

Drugscope

The UK's leading independent centre of expertise on drugs. Their website includes helpfinder, a database of drug treatment centres in the UK.

FRANK

National organisation offering information, support and advice on treatment for anyone suffering from a drug addiction, their relatives and friends. 0800 776 600

Narcotics Anonymous

Offering support, information and meeting for those with substance misuse problems

Cocaine Anonymous

Support, information and meetings for those addicted to cocaine

Drugsline

An independent drugs crisis, information and support charity based in London. It provides free and confidential information and support for people with drugs and alcohol related issues, their families and friends. 08081 606 606

Scottish Drug Service

An online directory of drug treatment centres in Scotland.

Northern Ireland

Directory of drug treatment centres in Northern Ireland

For more information on drugs and alcohol read The Royal College of Psychiatrists factsheet

Questionnaire compiled with the help of Dr Jim Bolton and Dr Martin Briscoe, consultant psychiatrists and members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Public Education Editorial Board

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