Do you have a high tolerance for alcohol or other drugs? Are you often the one who takes care of your intoxicated friends even though you drank or used as much as they did? A high tolerance for alcohol or other drugs can be a significant indicator of the potential to develop alcoholism or other drug addiction. Has your physician suggested that you not drink (or use drugs) because of a medical condition, or because you are taking medication that might interact negatively with alcohol? If so, and you continue to drink or use anyway, or maybe stop the medication on Friday or Saturday so you can use, you probably have an unhealthy relationship with the non-prescribed substance. Have you as a result of your alcohol or other drug use ever been unable to remember parts of what happened while using? If these blackouts occur regularly, for example, once a month, they are a significant sign that you have a problem. Is there a history of a drug or alcohol problem in one of your blood relatives? Genetics explains 40 to 60%, or more, of addiction. Take the free screening tests available on this site to see if you may have a problem. Jan Williams, 07/23/2012.