Latoya Levy, Observer TeenAge writer Tuesday, February 17, 2004

It's Saturday and you may be wondering whether you can stop yourself from smoking the weed that you know will be at the party later. Or maybe you feel really frustrated and depressed, but you know that once you get out and down a couple of beers, you'll be having fun in no time.

If this sounds like you, you may have a drinking or drug problem.

There's a fine line between using drugs or alcohol (substance abuse) and depending on them to feel good or get through the day (addiction). The important thing to remember, if you think you may have a problem, is that you can get help, and that it's possible to overcome the problem, no matter how difficult it may seem right now.

Tolerance, which means gradually needing more and more of a drug to get the same feeling or high, is a major warning sign that you may have a problem.

Other warning signs include:

• Using drugs or alcohol to try to forget your problems
• Promising over and over again to your family and friends that you'll stop
• Feeling like you can't have fun without alcohol or drugs
• Frequently feeling scared, depressed, angry, or anxious
• Drinking or using drugs by yourself
• Withdrawing or keeping secrets from your friends or family
• Changing performance at school (such as grades dropping and frequent absences)
• Having blackouts (when you can't remember what happened when you were drunk or high)
• Selling or stealing belongings to buy more drugs or alcohol
• Experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms such as cramping, diarrhea, and shaking

If any of these signs sound like you, you may have a problem with drugs or alcohol. It's extremely hard to recognise that you have a problem, and it's no easier to get help. But the best thing you can do is to talk to someone you trust so you don't have to deal with it alone. Talk to an adult who can support you and make sure that you are safe. If you feel like your parents aren't the best people to talk to, you can turn to another adult such as a guidance counselor, teacher, clergy member, or a friend's parents.

If you're getting upset because friends or family members are accusing you of having a drinking or drug problem, you may be in denial. This means that you may have a problem, but either you don't fully realise it or you aren't ready to deal with it. Denial is common in people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Keep in mind that the people who care about you aren't trying to control you - they're looking out for your safety and well-being.

Try to remember that you're not alone - and that many teens (and adults) are dealing with tough situations, too.