Cigarette held by woman

Section

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

Frequent use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or even some prescription medicines can lead to health problems for you and your family.

If you are pregnant, it can cause serious problems for your baby. If you smoke, vape, drink, or use drugs, get help. Do it for your family’s sake and for yours.

Where to Find Help

Al-Anon
Free support groups for family and friends of people who abuse alcohol or drugs.
1-888-425-2666

Alcoholics Anonymous
Help to stop drinking.

California Smokers’ Helpline
Free help in multiple languages to stop smoking.
1-800-NO-BUTTS (1-800-662-8887)

Narcotics Anonymous
Help to stop taking drugs.
1-818-773-9999

National Alcohol & Drug Information
Information and referrals for substance abuse and mental health treatment.
1-800-662-4357

More Resources

Things You Can Do

Do You Think You Could Have a Problem?

  • Admitting you have a problem is the first step. Getting help is the second.

  • You can go right away to a free support group like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). What you say is confidential.

  • If you are feeling stressed, talk to a counselor. See Emotional Health.

If Someone in Your Family Has a Problem

  • For help talking with your children about drugs and alcohol, call National Alcohol and Drug Information.

  • If someone in your family has a drug or alcohol problem, you can get free support at an Al-Anon meeting.

Checklists

Signs of an Alcohol or Drug Problem

Check each “yes” answer. Even one “yes” answer means you could have a problem and may need help.

Protect Your Developing Baby

Your unborn baby can be harmed by vaping and smoking. Breathing other people’s smoke or e-cigarette vapor is also harmful. Drinking alcohol or taking drugs or some medicines can also harm your baby. Taking prescription painkillers can cause serious problems for your baby, but it is important to follow a doctor’s directions when you quit Ask your doctor how to quit.

Keep Children Away from Smoke

  • Secondhand smoke can cause colds, ear infections, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia in children. It can also cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

  • Smoke left on surfaces, clothes, and hair can also harm children.

  • The vapor from e-cigarettes and vaping devices contains harmful chemicals and particles. It is not healthy for you or your child to breathe.

  • If you cannot stop smoking or vaping right now, do it outdoors.

  • Do not let anyone smoke or vape in your home or car. In California it is against the law to smoke in a car with a child present.

Woman-drinking-alcohol

“My drinking was hurting my relationship with my family. With help, I was able to stop.”

How to Stop Smoking

Quitting is hard. But you can do it—for your own sake and your family’s. These tips can help.

  • Set a quit date and tell your family and friends.

  • Get rid of all smoking products, including tobacco, marijuana, and e-cigarettes.

  • When you feel the urge to smoke, do something else. Suck on a hard candy or chew some sugarless gum.

  • Ask your doctor about treatments that can help you quit. These include medicines and nicotine patches or gum. You may qualify for free nicotine patches. Contact the California Smokers’ Helpline to find out more.

  • Join a quit-smoking program. To find a program, contact the California Smokers’ Helpline.

  • You can get free telephone counseling in your language. Call the California Smokers’ Helpline.