Resolving to "never do     this again," then "doing     it again" before the day     (or hour) is over

Insisting "I can stop    when I want to," then not    being able to, no matter    how much you want to

Having confrontations
   with family and friends
   about your drinking and    using

Getting arrested for DUI     or selling or possession     of drugs

Trying to control your
    drinking and using- not
    drinking before noon,
    not using on the job,
    limiting yourself to two
    drinks at happy hour,
    waiting until you get     home to use-and never     following your limits

Losing relationships
    with friends and family
    because they can't
    stand to see you     destroy yourself or     tolerate your behavior     any more

Missing work, or not
    being productive when
    you do go to work

Living (if you can call
    it that) in     unmanageability-not     paying bills, not taking     care of your basic     needs-yet insisting you     are in control

stealing to buy alcohol     or other drugs

Minimizing your    problem- "I'm not that    bad." "I haven't done    that." "I still work and    pay my own way." "I'm    not homeless."

Feeling like you are
    going to explode before
    you can drink or use
    drugs and not being able
    to concentrate on anything     but getting your next fix

Blacking out and being
    full of fear and remorse
    when you come to

Obsessing about drinking
    or using for much of the
    time you aren't drinking
    or using- "When will I be
    able to drink or use     again?" "How can I cover     up?" "Where's my     stash?""Won't everyone     just leave me alone?"

Escaping through alcohol
    and drugs, finding the
    same pain, fear and
    anxiety haunting you
    when the high wears off