Symptoms in Adults

Personal or family embarrassment because of alcohol or drug use
Feeling guilty due to alcohol or drug use
Avoiding situations where alcohol or other drugs are not available
Personal or family concern about alcohol or drug use
Legal, medical, or financial problems as a result of alcohol or drug use
Occasional memory lapses following alcohol or drug use
Noticeable increase in alcohol or drug use
Sneaking or hiding alcohol or drug use
Arguments because of alcohol or drug use
Drinking or using drugs until falling asleep
A pattern of excessive alcohol or drug use
Loss of interest in work and family activities

Symptoms in Adolescents

Pattern of tardiness and absences, particularly on Mondays and Fridays
Avoids family related activities entirely or leaves an activity
Avoids authority figures and disciplinary consequences
Over-sleeping or hyperactivity; constant talking or apathy
Increased isolation—more withdrawn and suspicious of others
Disruptive or uncontrolled behavior which violates others’ rights
Decrease in grades for inexplicable reasons
Inappropriate responses to supervision
Legal problems (DWIs, MIPs, accidents, etc.)
Decrease in quality of home life: sporadic task performance, increase in errors, deterioration of social relationships, and/or avoiding family discussion
Increase in alibi system and excuses
Negative changes in peer group
Decrease in church attendance