Concerned About a Friend
Are you worried something might be wrong with a friend? Do you think your friend’s alcohol or drug use is becoming an issue? Are they loosing focus on academics, behaving erratically, or becoming withdrawn? As a friend you have the power to help. You can be a supportive resource for them rather than ignore a potential problem or not voicing your concern. Staff in the Office of the Dean of Students are here to help you and provide options to support a friend.
If this is an emergency call the UO Police Department at 9-1-1.
If this is a mental health concern, please contact 541-346-3227 to speak to a therapist.
If you are unsure who to call, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 541-346-3216
Questions to Consider
What are some questions to consider about my own alcohol use?
Drinking is a problem if it causes trouble in your relationships, in school, in social activities, or in how you think and feel. Consider the following questions:
- Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
- Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
- Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
If you answered yes to any of these questions and if you are concerned about your drinking or the drinking of a family member, consider consulting with a counselor or physician to determine whether a problem exists and to plan the best course of action.
How can I tell if a friend needs support around drinking?
Sometimes it's tough to tell, but there are signs you can look for that may indicate your friend could be using alcohol in a risky way:
- Getting drunk on a regular basis
- Having frequent hangovers
- Lying about how much alcohol they are using
- Believing that alcohol is necessary to have fun
- Feeling run-down, depressed, or even suicidal
- Having "blackouts"—forgetting what they did while drinking
- Having problems at school or getting in trouble with the law
What can you do to help someone who has a drinking problem?
Be a real friend. You might even save a life. Share your concerns with a friend and help connect them with professional resources if it is something they are interested in.