How can I tell if I have a problem with drugs or alcohol?

[Click here to take our our brief screening test]
Drug and alcohol problems can affect every one of us regardless of age, sex, race, marital status, place of residence, income level, or lifestyle.

You may have a problem with alcohol or drugs, if:

• You can't predict whether or not you will use drugs or get drunk.
• You believe that in order to have fun you need to drink and/or use drugs.
• You turn to alcohol and/or drugs after a confrontation or argument, or to relieve uncomfortable feelings.
• You drink and/or use drugs alone.
• You drink more or use more drugs to get the same effect that you got with smaller amounts.
• You remember how last night began, but not how it ended, so you are worried you may have a problem.
• You have trouble at work or in school because of your drinking or drug use.
• You make promises to yourself or others that you'll stop getting drunk or using drugs.
• You feel alone, scared, miserable, and depressed.
  
  If you have experienced any of the above problems, take heart, help is available and millions of people like you have taken charge of their lives and are living healthy and drug-free.
  
  Call us if you would like to talk to someone about getting an evaluation to help determine if you have a problem.  If you live in the Cody area call 877-339-3334, and if you live elsewhere call 800-775-6016.

How can I get help?

You can get help for yourself or for a friend or loved one from numerous national, state and local organizations, treatment centers, referral centers and hotlines throughout the country. There are various kinds of treatment services and centers. For example, some may involve outpatient counseling, while others may be residential treatment lasting four weeks and sometimes up to six months or more.

While you or your friend or loved one may be hesitant to seek help, know that treatment programs offer organized structured services with individual , group, and family therapy for people with alcohol and drug abuse problems. Each community has its own resources. Some common referral sources that are often listed in the phone book are:

• Community Drug Hotlines
• Local Emergency Health clinics, or Community Treatment Services
• City/Local Health Departments
• Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or AlAnon/Alateen
• More Info
  
  Cedar Mountain Substance Treatment Center offers inpatient residential treatment to individuals from all around the US as well as outpatient, prevention and behavioral and psychiatric services to the local Cody, Wyoming area. More info, click here.

Does treatment work?

Research shows that when appropriate treatment is given and when clients follow the prescribed program, treatment does work. Addiction is considered a brain disease. In response to drug use over time the brain changes and that leads to a person's loss of self control and the ability to make good decisions and prompts intense cravings and urges to use drug. Through a combination of the appropriate treatment, behavioral therapy and sometimes medication to support recovery, recovery can be achieved. Through the use of brain imaging we now can actually see that the brain has an amazing propensity to heal itself. Of course the extent of healing will depend on what drugs were used, how long they were used, and how much damage there is. Remember that many people have to go through treatment a number of times before they are in full recovery. Do not give up hope.