Alcoholism: The urge to keep drinking is the first sign of an addiction

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What is alcoholism?

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/booklet.htm:
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, is a disease that includes the following four symptoms:

• Craving--A strong need, or urge, to drink.
• Loss of control--Not being able to stop drinking once drinking has begun.
• Physical dependence--Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety after stopping drinking.
• Tolerance--The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to get "drunk."

What are the Signs of a Problem?

How can you tell whether you may have a drinking problem? Answering the following four questions can help you find out:

• Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
• Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
• Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
• Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning (as an “eye opener”) to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

One “yes” answer suggests a possible alcohol problem. If you answered “yes” to more than one question, it is highly likely that a problem exists. In either case, it is important that you see your doctor or other health care provider right away to discuss your answers to these questions. He or she can help you determine whether you have a drinking problem and, if so, recommend the best course of action.
Even if you answered “no” to all of the above questions, if you encounter drinking-related problems with your job, relationships, health, or the law, you should seek professional help. The effects of alcohol abuse can be extremely serious—even fatal—both to you and to others.

Where to go for help?

•The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University
http://www.casacolumbia.org
This site offers resources, links and empirical studies regarding the latest trends and issues surrounding substance abuse and alcoholism. The following link outlines you what you need to know about tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs: Drug Facts You Should Know

• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. This site offers news, publications, general information, databases, and other resources.http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/booklet.htm

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

• National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD)
This site advocates prevention, intervention, research and treatment of alcoholism and other drug addictions. Includes information, statistics, and resources.
www.ncadd.org

• Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP)
CSAP, under the auspices Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the US Department of Health and Human Services, 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. www.samhsa.gov/csap/index.html

• SAMHSA'S National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
1-800-729-6686