Alcohol problems include alcohol abuse and/or dependence. Alcohol abuse is the repeated use of alcohol that results in daily living problems. Examples include:

• Failing to fulfill work, academic or home duties
• Getting arrested for drunken driving, disorderly conduct, etc.
• Having relationship problems such as arguments or physical fights

Alcohol dependence, also known as alcoholism, is a disease. It's not a weakness or a lack of willpower. Like many other diseases, it has a course that can be predicted, has known symptoms, and is influenced by your genes and your life situation. It includes four symptoms:

• Cravings: A strong need or compulsion to drink
• Loss of control: The inability to limit drinking on any given occasion
• Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking
• Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to "get high"

A tendency to become alcoholic is increased if family members are alcoholic. Men and women are about four times more likely to become alcoholic if one of their parents was and ten times more likely if both parents were. Environmental factors also play a role. For example, the more a person drinks, the greater the risk. Also, being able to consume a lot of alcohol (having a high tolerance) is a risk factor, not a safeguard, for alcoholism.
Alcoholism affects the alcoholic's physical health, emotional well-being and behavior. Alcohol abuse and/or dependence can develop in several ways:

• Drinking in excess on an almost daily basis
• Drinking a lot at certain times, such as partying every weekend
• Binge drinking after long periods of not drinking
• Drinking infrequently, but with loss of control over drinking and/or behavior problems while drinking
• Drinking which in some way has a negative impact on the person who drinks and other people

Alcoholism is the state of being physically and mentally addicted to alcohol. Chronic alcohol abuse can be linked to serious neurological and physical conditions as well as having implications for the social wellbeing of the problem drinker.

• Can impair mental/physical reflexes
• Can increase the risk of diseases, such as cancer of the brain, tongue, mouth, esophagus, larynx, liver and bladder, cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis, ulcers, gastritis and brain damage when used heavily. It can also cause heart and blood pressure problems.
• Can lead to malnutrition
• Is known to cause birth defects

• May cause someone to do things they might not do otherwise, such as driving at dangerous speeds or other daredevil acts.
• May result in anger, violent behavior or depression which can intensify as more alcohol is consumed. Can result in suicide or physical and sexual assaults.
• May result in memory loss, the ability to concentrate and problems in other intellectual functions.
• Can make family life chaotic. The divorce rate is seven times higher among alcoholics. Also, children of alcoholics often have emotional problems lasting into adulthood.
• Often results in decreased work or class attendance and performance, as well as, problems in dealing with co-workers or other students

A third or more of American families are directly beset by an alcohol problem at one time or another. And the costs are enormous in terms of medical expenses, work difficulties, finances, and particularly, family relationships. When there is someone with an AUD in the home, and that person is drinking, everybody may want to lay low - to get out of the way. Or, maybe some feel like crying, while others are burned up with frustration. And that’s no way for a family to have to feel. Drinking problems take their toll not only on the drinker, but also on everyone else around. If you, or someone you care about, are showing the signs of alcohol abuse or dependence, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible, or at least to call. If you don’t, the situation will probably get worse.

A number of approaches have been demonstrated to be effective with people with AUDs. Some of them are more oriented to seeing individuals, some to meeting in groups, some to involving the family. The majority of programs combine these methods. There are two points that need to be emphasized here, however. First, research has clearly shown that family members and friends are very important in aiding a problem drinker in getting help. Second, the family can be extremely important in helping the treatment to succeed. Part of the reason for this is that, in almost every case, families are important to the person with the drinking problem, just as that person is important to the family. Therefore, the caring, creativity, and wisdom of the family can be put to use in helping to turn the situation around.

Family or couples therapy is an option for those who are dealing with alcohol use disorders. Therapy can help the users and their loved ones deal with the stresses of withdrawal, relapse, figuring out available treatments, and deciding on the best options. Other main roles of the therapist are to help people understand how the drinking affects the family and vice versa, and to help identify what led to the onset or relapse in drinking. A therapist can also collaborate with other professionals who are working with the family or couple around the problem.

Treating alcoholism is a difficult task that needs to address many complicated issues. Alcoholics are typically under a great amount of stress by the time they seek treatment at a drug rehab.

Treatment for alcohol abuse and dependence usually includes group therapy, one or more types of counseling, and alcohol education. You also may need medicine. A 12-step program often is part of treatment and continues after treatment ends.
Treatment doesn't just deal with alcohol. It will help you manage problems in your daily life so you don't have to depend on alcohol. You'll learn good reasons to quit drinking.

Treatment helps you overcome dependence, but it doesn't happen all at once. Recovery from alcohol abuse or dependence-staying sober-is a lifelong process that takes commitment and effort. You may be in group therapy or counseling for a year or more.

Recovery helps you stay sober and adjust to life without alcohol. It helps you avoid a relapse, which happens when you slip up and drink again. Most people relapse, so it's best to accept it and move on.

Your family and friends are affected by your treatment. They can benefit from education, family therapy, and Al-Anon or other self-help support groups.

Adult Children of Alcoholics
A Twelve Step program of women and men who grew up in alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional homes who meet to find freedom from the past and ways to improve today.

Al-Anon/Alateen
Whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not, Al-Anon offers hope and recovery to all people affected by the alcoholism of a loved one or friend.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
An international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem; it is a nonprofessional, self-supporting, nondenominational, multiracial, apolitical, self-help group open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.

American Council for Drug Education
Substance abuse prevention and education agency that develops programs and materials based on the most current scientific research on drug use and its impact on society.

American Society of Addiction Medicine
The nation's medical specialty society dedicated to educating physicians and improving the treatment of individuals suffering from alcoholism and other addictions.

Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP)
CSAP provides national leadership in the development of policies, programs and services to prevent the onset of illegal drug use, to prevent underage alcohol and tobacco use and to reduce the negative consequences of using substances.

Center for Substance Abuse Research (CESAR)
A University of Maryland research center which collects, analyzes and disseminates information on the nature and extent of substance abuse and related problems.

Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT)
CSAT is Congressionally mandated to expand the availability of effective treatment and recovery services for alcohol and drug problems.

Books
Alcoholics Anonymous (3rd edition). Alcoholics Anonymous World Services (1976).
Facing Shame: Families in Recovery. By Merle E. Fossum & Marilyn J. Mason. W. W. Norton (1986).
Intervention: How to Help Someone Who Doesn’t Want Help. By Vernon E. Johnson. Johnson Institute Books (1986).
Moderate Drinking: The Moderation Management Guide for People Who Want to Reduce Their Drinking. By Audrey Kishline. .
Breaking the Cycle of Addiction: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Healthy Kids. By Patricia O’Gorman & Philip Oliver-Diaz. Health Communications, Inc. (1987).
Another Chance: Hope and Health for the Alcoholic Family (2nd edition). By Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse. (1989).
The Resilient Self: How Survivors of Troubled Families Rise Above Adversity. By Steven J. Wolin & Sybil Wolin. Villard (1993).