News and Articles
Alcohol and Drug Problems Overview
The overuse or abuse of alcohol (alcoholism) or other drugs is called substance abuse. It is common and costly. It can cause or worsen many medical problems and destroy families and lives. Read More »
Young People and Alcohol
Adolescents who begin drinking alcohol before age 14 have a nearly 50% risk of becoming alcohol dependent in adulthood. A study published July, 2006, by the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, a specialty journal of the American Medical Association, regards early drinking as a predictor of alcohol dependence in adulthood. Read More »
Family History of Alcohol Abuse
If you are among the millions of people in this country who have a parent, grandparent, or other close relative with alcoholism, you may have wondered what your family's history of alcoholism means for you. Are problems with alcohol a part of your future? Is your risk for becoming an alcoholic greater than for people who do not have a family history of alcoholism? If so, what can you do to lower your risk? Read More »
Facing The Facts About Alcoholism
Any hesitation you may feel about discussing your drinking with your health care professional may stem from common misconceptions about alcoholism and/or alcoholic people. As misguided as it is, the myth that an alcohol problem is somehow a sign of moral weakness too often prevails. In fact, alcoholism is a disease that is no more a sign of weakness than is asthma or diabetes. Read More »
Deciding to Get Help
Acknowledging that help is needed for an alcohol problem may not be easy. But keep in mind that the sooner a person gets help, the better are his or her chances for a successful recovery. Read More »
Alcohol Affects Older People Differently
The effects of alcohol vary with age. Even small amounts of alcohol can create problems for older people because as the body ages, the effects of alcohol can become amplified. Slower reaction times, problems with hearing and seeing, and a lower tolerance to alcohol's effects put older people at higher risk for falls, car crashes, and other types of injuries that may result from drinking. Read More »
Effective Options for Treating Alcohol Dependency
Results from a recent study show the medication naltrexone and up to 20 sessions of alcohol counseling by a behavioral specialist are equally effective treatments for alcohol dependence when delivered with structured medical management. Read More »
When You Are Pregnant, Drinking Can Hurt Your Baby
Everything you eat and drink while you are pregnant affects your baby. If you drink alcohol, it can hurt your baby's growth. Your baby may have physical and behavioral problems that can last for the rest of his or her life. Children born with the most serious problems caused by alcohol have fetal alcohol syndrome. Read More » |
