Substance abuse support
Struggling with substance abuse or worried you may have an issue? Here are some things to consider as well as resources Lenovo provides to help you or a loved one.
Signs of substance abuse
How do you know if you or someone you know has a substance abuse problem? Here are some signs to watch for:
- Using or drinking larger amounts or over longer periods of time than planned
- Continually wanting or unsuccessfully trying to cut down or control use of drugs or alcohol
- Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of drugs or alcohol
- A strong desire to use drugs or alcohol
- Ongoing drug or alcohol use that interferes with work, school, or home duties
- Using drugs or alcohol even with continued relationship problems caused by use
- Giving up or reducing activities because of drug or alcohol use
- Taking risks, such as sexual risks or driving under the influence
- Continually using drugs or alcohol even though it’s causing or adding to physical or psychological problems
- Developing tolerance — needing to use more drugs or alcohol to get the same effect, or using the same amount of drugs or alcohol but not getting the same effect
- Having withdrawal symptoms if not using drugs or alcohol, or using alcohol or another drug to avoid such symptoms
Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine, Substance Abuse/Chemical Dependency
Most frequently abused substances
These are the substances that people abuse most frequently:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Prescription medicines, such as pain pills, stimulants, or anxiety pills
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine, Substance Abuse/Chemical Dependency
Where to get help
Once you’ve acknowledged the problem, the next step is to seek help. Here are some of the best resources to turn to:
Your doctor
Talk to your primary care physician about your symptoms. They can perform an assessment and determine whether a referral to inpatient or outpatient services may be in order. Most substance abuse services are covered to varying degrees by Lenovo’s Cigna and Kaiser plans.
Employee Assistance Program
Make an appointment to talk to an EAP counselor. It’s free and confidential! Your counselor can direct you to the appropriate treatment services.
Substance Abuse Helpline
Call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to get referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. The service is confidential, free, and available 24/7.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Visit the A.A. website to take a self-assessment and to find an A.A. chapter near you.