Learning more about drug abuse can be the first step toward recognizing a problem and deciding to do something about it. Often the first person in the family to get help for a drug abuse problem is not the drug abuser himself. When one person in the family uses drugs, everyone suffers. Unfortunately, one of the symptoms of addiction is the same problem that keeps the drug abuser from getting help. That symptom is denial. It is the inability of the addicted person to admit that they have a problem. Sometimes family members also have some of this denial.

The first step is to learn more about drug abuse. For general information, you can contact the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) at (301) 468-2600. This is a citizens' clearinghouse for information on all kinds of substance abuse issues. You could also call the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence at 1-800-NCA-CALL. They can put you in touch with organizations in your community.

If you want to seek information closer to home, you can consult with your:
* healthcare provider or health care plan,
* clergy,
* work or school Drug Assistance Program (if one is available) , or
* "drug abuse treatment centers" in the yellow pages of your phone book.

Another resource to consider is Narcotics Anonymous or Rational Recovery. These are self-help organizations whose purpose is to provide support to those who wish to stop and stay off drugs. If cocaine is the drug of choice, Cocaine Anonymous is a similar group that might prove helpful. These organizations can be found by looking in the white pages of your phone book under their names.

If alcohol is the drug or one of drugs that is the problem, Alcoholic Anonymous and Rational Recovery are support groups for alcoholics. Two related groups are Al-Anon, which is a support group for family members, and Ala-Teen, which is for older children. You can find these groups in the white pages of your phone book.

If you're worried about someone with an alcohol or other drug problem, now is a good time to consult with a health care provider, your clergy, or a counselor.

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