Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Services

Is DARS For You?

20 Questions Only You Can Answer

Norfolk Southern's Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Services (DARS) program can help you determine if you have an alcohol or drug abuse problem.

Talk to dozens of recovering substance abusers, and you hear as many tales of how drugs and alcohol affected - and often destroyed - lives. And each one is different.

Some talk of weekend binges, others of daily blackouts. A few recall starting the day off with a drink and smoothing out the rough edges in the evening with another. Even more speak of lying to employers, masking addictions from coworkers and rationalizing erratic behavior to friends and loved ones.

Yet everyone talks of feeling trapped in a downward spiral with forces so gripping that nothing and no one could pull them out until they were ready to reach out and ask for help. As those in recovery will testify, dependency is a disease that does not discriminate. No one is immune to addiction, no vaccine will cure it and there is no shame in admitting you have a problem. In fact, it's the first step toward recovery.

Answer these 20 questions honestly. If you answer yes to four or more, you may have a substance-abuse problem and are encouraged to contact a DARS counselor near you.

Have you ever decided to stop drinking or using drugs for a week or so, but only lasted a couple of days?

Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking or drug using?

Have you ever switched from one kind of drink or drug in the hope that this would keep you from getting into trouble?

Have you ever had a drink or drug to get you started in the morning?

Do you envy people who can drink or use drugs and not seem to ever get into trouble?

Have you had any legal problems connected with your drinking or drug using in the past year?

Has drinking or drug using caused trouble at home?

Do you drink or use drugs before going to a party in case you might not get enough when you are there?

Have you ever been in a hospital or institution because of drinking or drug using?

Have you ever missed work because of drinking or using?

Have you ever experienced a period of time when you were drinking or using drugs that you could not remember certain parts of the day before?

Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink or use drugs?

Do you drink or use drugs because you are shy with other people?

Is drinking and using affecting your reputation?

Do you ever feel remorse after drinking or using?

Does drinking and using make you careless of your family's welfare?

Has your ambition decreased since you began drinking or using?

Do you have difficulty sleeping?

Do you ever drink or use drugs alone?

Do you drink or use drugs to build up your self-confidence?

What's Your Score?

If you answered yes to four or more questions, you are probably in trouble with drugs or alcohol. Help, however, is only as far away as the phone.

Norfolk Southern's DARS program uses company counselors systemwide to assist employees and their families with addiction problems. Each counselor has overcome substance-abuse problems and is available to help others.

DARS, which is a voluntary program, is a benefit provided by Norfolk Southern for the well being of its employees, families and the community. The only requirement for participation is a desire to stop using drugs or alcohol.

DARS works in conjunction with multiple support groups to help victims of alcohol and drug addiction. If you need help or would like to talk about drinking or drug use problems, contact the DARS manager or one of the regional counselors.