FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get a diagnosis of my loved one from this site?
No, you will not receive an official clinical diagnosis of your loved one from this site. This resource is designed for educational purposes, providing you with tools to identify, observe, and document behavioral patterns that may indicate substance abuse.
While we highlight red flags and common signs of addiction, we cannot offer medical or psychological assessments. Only a qualified mental health professional or addiction specialist can provide a formal diagnosis. Think of this site as a guide to help you gain clarity and prepare for a professional consultation, not a replacement for expert medical or clinical intervention.
How do I cancel my subscription?
We understand that life circumstances change, and you may need to adjust your membership. Canceling your subscription to 165 Ways is simple and can be done at any time through your account settings.
To cancel, log in to your account, navigate to the "Billing" or "Subscription" tab in your profile menu, and select "Cancel Subscription." Follow the remaining prompts to confirm your request. You will continue to have access to all site resources until the end of your current billing cycle. If you need further assistance or encounter any issues, please send a message through the Contact page in this website.
How do I send messages to Dr. Watts?
Dr Watts can be directly reached through the Contact page in this website
What if my loved one has none of the signs or symptoms of addiction?
If your loved one shows none of the signs or symptoms listed on this site, that is excellent news. It is possible that your intuition was based on temporary stressors or behaviors that do not indicate addiction.
However, if you remain deeply concerned, remember that these behavioral shifts can often overlap with other mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, or difficult life transitions. If your gut feeling persists, trust it—but broaden your scope. Consider consulting a therapist or counselor to explore other possibilities. Your concern matters, even if it stems from a different issue than substance abuse.
What are my next steps after I subscribe?
Once you have subscribed, you are ready to start gaining clarity. Your first step should be to download the comprehensive checklist available in your dashboard. This tool serves as your primary roadmap for organizing your observations.
Next, take time to carefully review the signs of substance abuse outlined on the site. As you read through each category, compare these patterns against your loved one’s recent behaviors. Document specific instances rather than relying on vague feelings. This organized approach will help you determine if you are seeing isolated incidents or a consistent pattern of addiction, preparing you for effective action.
Once I have finished the checklist, what do I do?
Once your checklist is complete, take a step back and analyze the data objectively. If you have identified a significant number of "red flags" consistently over time, it is time to move from observation to preparation. Do not rush into a confrontation; instead, use your documentation to seek professional guidance. Contact an addiction interventionist, therapist, or counselor to discuss your findings. They can provide an expert perspective on your specific situation. Sharing your documented observations with a professional helps clear the fog, enabling you to formulate a calm, structured plan to address the issue directly and effectively.
How do I contact someone locally for help?
If you are ready to seek professional support, you don't have to navigate this journey alone. We have compiled a directory to make finding qualified assistance easier. Simply navigate to the "Resources" tab on our website. There, you will find a comprehensive list of alcohol and drug counselors categorized by state. This list allows you to search for licensed professionals in your area who specialize in addiction and recovery. Connecting with a local expert provides you with the personalized guidance and support necessary to effectively address the situation, helping you turn your observations into a structured, professional plan for intervention.
How do I contact Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Alanon, or Naranon for information, support, and meetings in my area?
Connecting with support groups is vital for long-term healing. To find local meetings, start by visiting the official websites for these organizations, which offer comprehensive meeting locators:
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Visit aa.org.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA): Visit na.org.
Al-Anon: For support for families of those with alcohol issues, visit al-anon.org.
Nar-Anon: For support for families of those with drug issues, visit nar-anon.org.
These platforms allow you to search for meetings by zip code, providing a safe environment to share experiences and learn. Connecting with these communities is an essential step toward finding peace and effective recovery.
I just want to review the 165 ways to tell if my loved one has a problem - I don't want anything else like the Newsletter, or Resources.
Downloading the "165 Ways to Tell If Someone I Love Is Addicted" list is not enough; warning signs alone do not provide a complete picture. Our Checklist and Rating Scale, Resources, and Drug Facts offer vital balance. Understanding addiction requires analyzing behavioral and mental patterns, a perspective you can only gain through the full and comprehensive use of resources our site provides.
What is an intervention and how do I do one?
An intervention is a structured meeting where family and friends express their concern to a loved one struggling with addiction. Its goal is to break through denial, demonstrate the impact of their behavior, and offer a clear, immediate path to professional treatment.
To conduct one, never attempt it alone. Consult a professional interventionist who can coach you through the process. Preparation is key; you will organize your specific observations and outline the consequences of continued use. During the meeting, loved ones present a united, compassionate, and firm offer of help. Professional guidance ensures the process remains safe and effective.
How do I contact an interventionist - one that has world-wide services?
If your loved one requires professional intervention, connecting with an experienced specialist is a critical next step. You do not need to limit your search to your local area. Under the "Resources" tab on our website, we provide a curated list of professional interventionists who offer services worldwide. These experts are equipped to handle complex cases and guide your family through the intervention process, regardless of your location. Accessing this list allows you to reach out directly to vetted professionals who can provide the strategic, compassionate, and expert support necessary to help your loved one accept treatment and begin recovery.