Appointments / Referrals 

People whose lives are troubled by alcohol and/or drug addictions and their family members often have questions about when it is appropriate to call on professional help. If you ever have a question, please do not hesitate to call the professionals at Talbot any time, day or night, (614) 257-3760.

Chemical dependence is not just the excessive use of drugs or alcohol. Dependency leads to significant personal, social and physical problems for abusers and their family members. People can become chemically dependent on both illegal and legal substances.

Does Someone You Know Have a Problem?
Common behaviors that indicate a person is having a chemical dependency problem include:

- Getting high on drugs or getting intoxicated on a regular basis
- Lying, especially about how much they are using or drinking
- Avoiding friends and family members
- Giving up activities that used to be enjoyable, such as sports and spending less time with non-using friends
- Talking a lot about using drugs or alcohol
- Believing alcohol or drugs are needed in order to have fun
- Pressuring others to use or drink
- Getting in trouble with the law
- Taking risks, such as sexual risks or driving under the influence of a substance
- Poor work performance, work skipped or missed
- Feelings of depression, hopelessness or suicide.

Do You Have a Problem?
Identifying chemical dependency is not always easy. One symptom of dependency is denial or not recognizing that you may have a problem. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to determine if alcohol or other mood altering substances are affecting your life:
- Have you ever felt that you ought to cut down on your drinking or drug use?
- Have you felt angry or annoyed when other people criticize your drinking or drug use?
- Have you felt bad or guilty about your drinking or drug use?
- Have you ever had a drink or used drugs first thing in the morning to steady your nerves, get rid of a hangover or get the day started?
If you feel that some of these characteristics describe you or a family member, it may be time to seek medical help.

The staff at OSU Addiction Medicine at Talbot Hall are ready to help you or your loved one begin the addiction recovery process at any time, day or night, any day of the week. Call (614) 257-3760 to get started.

Additional resources on our Web site:

Talbot Hall Family Services

What is Substance Abuse?

Signs of Substance Abuse

Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

About Your Alcohol Use

Causes and Treatment of Substance Abuse

OSU Harding Hospital Behavioral Healthcare Services