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Meetings in the Area

Our Offices

Greenwood

1420 Spring Street

Greenwood, SC 29646

864-227-1001

Edgefield

400 Church Street

Edgefield, SC 29824

803-637-4050

McCormick

504 North Mine Street

McCormick, SC 29835

864-852-3306

Abbeville

112 Whitehall Street

PO Box 921

Abbeville, SC 29620

864-366-9661

Frequently Asked Questions

About Alcohol and Other Drug Use

How can I tell if someone is using drugs?

Adolescents typically have difficulty compensating for their drug-induced dysfunction. One of the first signs of drug abuse among teens is that they need more money. Behavioral changes may include increased secrecy, extreme mood swings, loss of interest in school accompanied by tardiness and absences, quitting extracurricular activities and acquiring a new circle of friends. Adults also will need more money and may exhibit similar behavioral symptoms. However, they are often better at hiding a drug problem for a longer period.

How can I tell if I or someone I care about has a drinking problem?

Any of the following can be signs of dependence on alcohol (i.e., alcoholism):

• loss of control - attempts to control drinking fail despite promises to self and others;

• blackouts - inability to recall all or part of a drinking episode;

• increased tolerance - more alcohol is needed than before to obtain the same effects, as well as the ability to "outdrink" most people;

• continued drinking despite academic, legal, health, financial, relationship and/or other problems;

• changes in personality;

• neglect of responsibilities;

• preoccupation with drinking - frequent thoughts of drinking occur and non-drinking activities and acquaintances often are avoided;

• "pre-partying" - drinking occurs before a social event where alcohol will be served and drinks are often "gulped" to get drunk as quickly as possible;

• denial and minimizing - claims drinking is not a problem and/or tries to justify it;

• prone to suffer accidents, injuries and illness;

• drinking to feel "normal" - uses alcohol to cope, escape problems, solve problems or feel like everyone else; and

• drinking in the morning - often to control tremors or "shakes" that result from drinking the night before.

What should I do if someone I know needs help?

Seek help. A variety of services are available in every county of the state for anyone who needs them. Services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual and/or family. Services are provided by a statewide system of county alcohol and drug abuse authorities, all of which are nationally accredited. To get a listing of the county authorities in South Carolina call the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DOADAS) at 1-800-942-DIAL (3425).

(Source: SC DAODAS)