Alcohol and Smoking

First and foremost, keep in mind that an alcohol problem is a medical condition that needs and deserves treatment just like any other medical problem. It is not a personal or moral weakness and does not mean the drinker is trying to cause problems for you. Learn as much as you can. Once you have recognized

Alcohol is a colorless, volatile, flammable fluid made from certain plants (corn, barley, rye, grains) or fruits  It is made by mixing these plants or fruits with yeast. The yeast feeds on the various sugars (starches) in these plants or fruits. The sugars are then converted into alcohol (and carbon dioxide). The process of alcohol

This quiz can help you learn more about your use of alcohol and whether you may have an alcohol problem. It is called AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and was developed by the World Health Organization. Use the print button on your browser to print the test. Choose one answer for each question, then

Both alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence can cause many different types of problems that can disrupt a person’s life. They include health, emotional, social, work or school, and financial problems. Health problems The short-term effects of alcohol on the body include: upset stomach; diarrhea; lack of coordination and judgment; headaches; and insomnia. Misuse of alcohol can cause

There are many signs of alcohol abuse and dependence. The combination of signs differs from person to person. Some people with alcohol dependence have trouble functioning in their every day life while others appear to be doing quite well. The one thing that all people who are dependent on alcohol have in common is loss

People with an alcohol problem who are not dependent on alcohol can often control their problem just with support from a health care provider and family or friends. They also may choose to attend meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous or another support group.  You may choose to cut down on your drinking or quit. Either way you need to

Without treatment, alcohol abuse can develop into alcohol dependence. Alcohol dependence is often progressive and fatal. This means that without treatment it continues to get worse and can lead to death. Death can occur through overdose or by health problems, accidents, or suicide caused by excessive drinking. Many people who are not dependent on alcohol can recover

Here are some frequently asked questions related to alcohol use and abuse. Q: Do all alcohol abusers and alcoholics drink a lot every day? A: No. For some people, large amounts of alcohol are not necessary to make them develop an alcohol problem and become dependent on alcohol. Some alcoholics just binge on weekends or several

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to alcohol use and abuse. “Moderate drinking” is drinking that does not usually cause problems for the drinker or society. People are considered to have an alcohol problem when their alcohol use has a negative effect on their life. The type of alcohol used,

Here are definitions of medical terms related to alcohol use and abuse. Alcohol abuse: A pattern of alcohol use that causes problems in any aspect of a person’s life. Alcohol dependence (alcoholism): Alcohol dependence, also called “alcoholism,” is a chronic, progressive, and potentially fatal disease in which a person is physically dependent on alcohol. The person has

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on alcohol use and abuse. National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information 1-800-729-6686 http://www.health.org/ National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) http://www.health.org/phone.htm National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (301) 443-3860 http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/ National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence 1-800-NCA-CALL (1-800-622-2255) http://www.ncadd.org/