When you use drugs or alcohol over time, you may feel that you need them to get through the day. You or a loved one may notice that:

• You need more and more of the substance to get the same effect, or you get less effect from the same amount over time.
• You have strong cravings for the substance.
• You aren't able to stop using or to use less of the substance, even if you try.
• You spend a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from using the substance.
• You can no longer do your main jobs at work, school, or home.
• You no longer do things you used to enjoy.
• You keep using the substance even though it causes health problems or makes them worse. These health problems are different depending on the substance, but they can include:
  • High blood pressure.
  • Stomach or liver problems.
  • Repeated infections.
  • Sleep problems.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Less interest in sex.