Substance abuse is a national public health problem that affects millions of people and creates enormous financial and social burdens on society. It destroys families, victimizes individuals and communities, and invades the education, criminal justice, and social services systems. Alcohol and other drug abuse cross every social, age, racial and economic range. It does not care who you are.

Determining whether you, a family member or a close friend has a substance abuse problem can be most difficult. Many substance users will go to great length and effort to hide the problems that concern or affect them.