There are many signs and symptoms of Alcohol or Drug Abuse but it should be remembered that some of the listed signs might signify normal behavior variability or health problems;  signs are not proof.  Conclusions should be based on facts - not on assumptions.

Canterbury hopes the following information will help you to recognize persons abusing substances so that they can be helped.  Be aware that if one is suspected of alcohol or drug use, be supportive of the individual as they now have an disease, like diabetes and depression, which cannot be controlled or willed away.

Things to watch for:

MOOD SWINGS - Virtually all mood-altering drugs produce mood swings from euphoria to depression. A user may be passive and withdrawn one minute and angry or hostile the next.
PERSONALITY CHANGES - A normally energetic and outgoing person becomes chronically depressed and uncommunicative.
DEFENSIVENESS - Blaming or claiming to be persecuted or victimized.
OVERLY EMOTIONAL - Inappropriately happy, depressed, hostile, or angry.
OVERLY SELF-CENTERED - Always has to have their own way and will do anything to have it.
TENDENCY TO MANIPULATE - Making excuses for failure or finding ways to  have other people handle their problems or bear the consequences of  their actions or behaviors.
STRAINED COMMUNICATION - Unwillingness or inability to discuss important  issues or concerns.
WITHDRAWL FROM FAMILY ACTIVITIES - Refusing to eat at family meals,  participating in celebrations or holidays or making any adjustments to  family life.
CHANGE IN DRESS AND FRIENDS - Sudden deterioration of long friendships/relationships, deterioration in personal appearance and hygiene, spends time with suspicious friends and/or co-workers.
LACK OF SELF-DISICIPLINE - Inability to follow rules, complete household chores, school assignments, work-related duties, keep appointments or commitments.
APATHY - Little or no interest in meaningful activities such as clubs, hobbies, sports, or other activities.
SCHOOL AND WORK PROBLEMS - Excessive tardiness, absences, drop in grades drop in job performance, missed deadlines, failure to turn in assignments and take tests or perhaps suspension or expulsion.

Chemically dependent individuals can demonstrate relapse behaviors at anytime throughout their recovery process, but they are especially prone during the early stages of recovery. The relapse process starts when a person falls into old patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving. The following are signs of relapse at any stage in recovery:

• Lack of gratitude for recovery or what has been achieved in the recovery process.
• Complacency when things begin to improve -The chemically dependent person believes that they no longer need to focus on their recovery efforts; they are convinced they will never begin using again.
• Lack of self-care as they become exhausted, develop or return to irregular eating habits or poor health habits in general.
• Self-pity -The chemically dependent person talks and acts as if no one else has it as had as they do.
• Increasing denial or return to denial -The chemically dependent person starts rationalizing, justifying, minimizing or generalizing addictive thinking and behavior become
• Blaming others instead of taking personal responsibility for one's own thoughts, feelings or behavior
• Unable to accept feedback from others who are concerned
• Isolation and attempting to solve problems on their own; not sharing what is going on with others in the support group
• Wanting too much too quickly or setting unrealistic goals
• Attempting to control one's recovery through manipulation and blaming of others for their problems