How do you know if you or a loved one has a problem with drugs or alcohol? Look for the following signs of substance abuse:

• Using the substance to calm nerves, forget worries or ease depression
• Constantly thinking about using the substance
• Needing more to get "high"
• Losing interest in food
• Constant tardiness or missing work
• Gulping drinks down fast or "shooting up" rapidly
• Lying to try and hide the substance abuse
• Drinking or using drugs alone
• Financial difficulties; bills not paid on time
• Lying to family and friends about drinking/drug use
• Feeling irritable, resentful or unreasonable when not using the substance
• Having others comment on the substance abuse
• Stealing or committing crimes to get money to buy the substance
• Inability to quit, despite several tries
• Having a hang-over (alcohol), nose bleed (cocaine) or feeling sick after using the substance

If you think you or a friend has a drug or alcohol addiction, call Belmont Behavioral Health at 1-800-EINSTEIN or (215) 877-2000.