ALCOHOLISM: INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Alcoholism is a chronic illness characterized by the habitual consumption of alcohol. Alcohol use is abuse to the degree that it interferes with physical or mental health or with normal social and work behavior. Alcohol produces both physical and psychological addiction.

Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease that will not go away on its own. Treating alcoholism is very important. The first step towards treatment is learning what the options are.

National resources offering information about alcoholism include:

Alcoholics Anonymous, contact your local chapter or visit their website at www.aa.org
Al-Anon Family Groups including Ala-teen, call (888) 425-2666 or visit their website at www.Al-Anon.org
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, call (800) NCA-CALL or visit their website at www.ncadd.org
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, call (800) 729-6686 or visit their website at www.health.org

Anyone with a drinking problem, is encouraged to attend Alcoholics Anonymous. Look up "Alcoholics Anonymous" in the white pages of your phone book. Call for the nearest location and meeting times in your area. In addition, there are many books about alcoholism that are available at your local bookstore or library.

Student or Employee Assistance Programs are excellent resources that offer education, counseling, and referral services for alcohol problems.

Many hospitals and agencies have programs offering alcohol and drug treatment. You can find these services by looking under "alcoholism" or "alcoholism treatment" in the yellow pages of your phone book. Some programs offer help with an initial intervention, which may help a family convince an alcoholic to accept treatment.

The family of the alcoholic will need treatment, too. There are support groups and treatment services for the family of alcoholics. Ask your healthcare provider, or look up "Al-Anon" or "Adult Children of Alcoholics" in the white pages.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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