Awareness Tips

Be involved in your family members' lives. Staying involved helps them to stay safe. Help them to know that you're there for them and will help them when they need it.

Nobody plans to have a problem with drugs or alcohol. They're curious about what the drug does, or they want to fit in with people who use the drug. Sometimes people use drugs because they want to forget about other bad feelings they have.

Be honest with yourself and reflect on how your drug use may be affecting your life. The following are signs that may indicate you have a drug problem:

• Your drug use has increased since you first started using.
• You are using illegal drugs or having the same drug prescribed by more than one doctor.
• You need to take drugs to help you through new situations or social occasions.
• You can't remember things you have said or done while using drugs.
• You spend more and more time with people that use drugs.
• You cover up or lie about your drug use.
• You have problems or miss time at work or school because of your drug use.
• You have relationship problems with your spouse/children/parents because of your drug use.
• You only go to parties or places where drugs are available.
• Your drug use is causing financial problems.
• You have legal problems because of your drug use.
• You have hurt yourself or someone else while under the influence of drugs.
• You have tried to cut down or stop taking drugs but couldn't.
• You have increased risk-taking behavior (e.g. sharing needles, having unprotected sex).
• You break promises to others because of your drug use.
• Someone has told you they are concerned about your drug use.

(List from the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission.)

For more information about what to look for, check out the National Anti-Drug Strategy.

Northwest Territories Helpline
In Yellowknife: 920-2121
Toll-free from anywhere in NWT: 1-800-661-0844 (7-11 p.m. nightly)

Health Line
1-888-255-1010