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wetpaint — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 16:00:35 CDT

This is an educational and informational wiki about alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and other alcohol-related topics. One of the most significant aspects about alcohol abuse, for instance, is the fact that when people abuse alcohol on a regular basis, they increase the risk of becoming an alcoholic.

The Effects of Excessive Drinking

It is also important to point out the psychological, health, physical, social, and behavioral problems that result from alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction and the fact that treatment is often the only avenue to achieve "drinking in moderation" regarding alcohol abuse and "sobriety" concerning alcohol dependency.

Alcohol Testing in the Workplace

Statistics demonstrate that for employers, alcohol abuse accounts for roughly 67% of the total number of substance abuse complaints they receive in a given year. As a result, many organizations and workplaces are increasingly employing random alcohol testing and alcoholism screening tests as part of their employee drug and alcohol testing program or alcohol testing policy.

Alcohol Recovery

Considering the topic of alcohol recovery, it is important to mention that it does not necessarily make a significant difference whether an individual chooses a more traditional program such as the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program or one of the many other professional recovery programs. What matters most in the alcohol recovery process is this: alcoholics need to admit that they have a drinking problem, they need to want to stop drinking and become sober, and they need to find an alcohol treatment or alcohol rehab program that works for them. Only then will they be able to attain alcoholic recovery, remain sober, and re-establish their lives.

Teen Alcohol Abuse

Teen alcohol abuse has become a topic of increasing importance. Part of the reason for this is the unfortunate fact that according to recent research findings alcohol abuse among teenagers is increasing as well as starting at earlier ages. So why is this so significant? According to research undertaken by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism NIAAA), teens who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop a dependency on alcohol than those who begin drinking at 21 years of age. Armed with this information, our parents, educators, political leaders, and community activists need to educate our young people on the dangers of alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction before they become teenagers.

Binge Drinking is Not Responsible Drinking

Binge drinking has received a lot of attention in the news lately. It is apparent that many individuals do not comprehend that getting drunk "only" once or twice per year is neither "responsible drinking nor "drinking in moderation."

In fact, occasional alcohol abuse has become so prevalent that it has received its own name: binge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as having five or more drinks at one sitting for men or four or more drinks during one sitting for women. Although binge drinking is an important topic that deserves its own discussion, it needs to be emphasized that binge drinking is actually a form of alcohol abuse.

Some Facts About Binge Drinking

The following represents some important information about binge drinking:

Binge drinking not only significantly increases the risk of serious injury and the possibility of contracting sexually transmitted diseases but it can also result in alcohol poisoning, an outcome that can be fatal.
Considering the fact that 60 percent of American men between the ages of 18 and 25 binge drink and that in 2002 a reported 2.6 million U.S. binge drinkers were between the ages of 12 and 17, binge drinking is quickly becoming an explosive drinking pattern that affects millions of teens, pre-teens, young adults, and adults in our society.

All About Alcoholism

denman3 — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 15:41:14 CDT

Alcoholism has become a major social problem in industrialized countries throughout the world. Ironically, the more "developed" and technologically advanced a country becomes, the more helpless it seems to the societal and personal difficulties that are directly or indirectly related to alcoholics and their problem drinking. Simply put, the people of the world need to learn more about alcoholism if they are to avoid the unhealthy, deleterious, and the fatal outcomes of this disease.

Alcoholism Information

denman3 — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 15:02:48 CDT

For Most People Drinking Alcohol is Enjoyable

For the vast majority of people who drink, alcohol is a pleasurable experience. This is particularly the case when they are actively involved in social and recreational activities and when their drinking behavior can be viewed as an example of "moderate use" or "responsible drinking."

America's Problem Drinkers

A relatively large number of people, on the other hand, simply cannot consume any alcoholic beverages because of the alcohol problems and difficulties they encounter when drinking. In fact, according to recent alcoholism and alcohol abuse research findings, approximately 14 million Americans abuse alcohol or are alcohol dependent.

Alcohol Test Info

denman3 — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 14:33:56 CDT

Current Types of Alcohol Tests

There are essentially four different types of alcohol tests that are currently used by various American employers: alcohol breathalyzer tests (also called alcohol breath tests), blood alcohol tests, saliva alcohol tests, and urine alcohol tests. Note: hair drug tests are not considered as part of the arsenal of alcohol tests due to the simple reason that they cannot detect alcohol.

Alcohol Testing: A Prognosis

Many American organizations, companies, and institutions are employing alcohol screening tests and random alcohol tests as essential aspects of their drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures. Indeed, alcohol tests are becoming less and less of a preference and more of a necessitity in many, if not most, American places of employment.

About Alcoholism Info

denman3 — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 13:49:24 CDT

The Consequences of Alcoholism

The consequences of alcoholism are not only serious, but all too often, fatal. For instance, abusive drinking can increase the risk for certain cancers, such as cancer of the esophagus, liver, throat, rectum, larynx, and cancer of the kidneys. Additionally, heavy drinking can lead to the harm of the fetus while the mother is pregnant, brain damage, problems with the immune system, chronic alcoholism, and cirrhosis of the liver.

Moreover, suicides and homicides are more likely to be committed by people who have been drinking. Excessive drinking increases work-related and recreational accidents and injuries while abusive drinking increases the risk of death from motor vehicle accidents.

The Costs of Alcoholism

In basic economic terms, alcohol-related problems cost American taxpayers almost $200 billion per year. In human terms, however, the cost of the following alcohol-related issues cannot be calculated: destroyed lives, child abuse, broken homes, illnesses, injuries, wife battering, failed health, and traffic fatalities.

Alcoholics Information

denman3 — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 13:16:44 CDT

Definition of Alcoholic

People with a "drinking problem" and who are addicted to alcohol are defined as "alcoholics." Some of the main characteristics of alcoholics are the following:

Increased tolerance, which means that over time more alcohol is required to get “high” or to feel a “buzz”
Unsuccessful efforts to cut down drinking
Drinking larger amounts of alcohol over longer periods of time
Withdrawal symptoms similar to having the flu when drinking is abruptly stopped
Unsuccessful attempts to reduce the amount of drinking
Continued drinking in site of negative consequences such as a divorce, DUI conviction, or loss of employment
Drinking that interferes with one's family, friends, or job

Alcoholics and Professional Help

If you observe your friends or family members exhibiting any of these behaviors and actions, consider them as warning signs or symptoms of alcoholic behavior that may require professional attention. Stated differently, your friends or family members may need outpatient alcoholic treatment or they may need to enter a residential treatment center for much needed alcoholism rehab. Only then will these friends or family members be on the road to alcohol recovery.

Alcoholic Information

denman3 — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 12:48:02 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

Alcohol Addiction Info

denman3 — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 12:45:44 CDT

The Grip of Alcohol Addiction

People who are addicted to alcohol are caught in the forceful grip of an uncontrollable need for alcohol that takes precedence over their ability to quit drinking. Indeed, the alcoholic’s need to drink can be as strong as his or her need for food or water.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment

It is no wonder then that when an alcoholic tries to quit drinking, the alcohol withdrawal symptoms may be so severe that the individual may need inpatient alcohol withdrawal treatment at a detox facility or hospital if he or she is to begin the alcohol addiction recovery process. Although a small minority of people are able to recover from alcoholism without clinical assistance, many, if not most, alcoholics need professional medical help.

About Getting Sober

denman3 — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 12:11:53 CDT

Alcohol Treatment and Getting Sober

As serious as alcoholism is, fortunately, it can be treated. Stated more precisely, with help, alcoholics can learn how to attain clean and sober living. The vehicle for this worthwhile “life position” is usually alcohol dependency treatment. The majority of "traditional" alcoholism treatment programs usually use a combination of counseling and doctor-prescribed medications to help an individual quit drinking and become sober.

Sobriety and Abstaining From Alcohol

Although most alcoholics need help to recover from their disease, research has shown that with quality alcohol treatment, support, and effective alcohol rehab, many alcoholics are able to quit drinking, learn how to get sober, remain safe and sober, and re-establish their lives. In a word, learning how to abstain from alcohol is the most direct and the healthiest route to smart and sober living.

About Alcoholism Information

denman3 — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 11:46:54 CDT

Alcoholism, Willpower, and Self-Control

Often, people who are not alcoholic do not fully understand why an alcoholic can't simply use willpower or self-control to stay away from drinking. In the vast majority of situations, however, alcoholism has little to do with being strong, fighting the temptation to drink, or with willpower.

Alcoholics and the Need For Alcohol

Indeed, alcoholics are caught in the compelling grip of an uncontrollable need for alcohol that takes priority over their ability to refrain from drinking. In fact, the need to drink for the alcoholic can be as strong as his or her need for food, shelter, water, or interpersonal relationships.

About Alcohol Info

denman3 — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 11:25:44 CDT

Many of the dangers of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency do not seem to make a full impact on people’s awareness until some of the more salient facts and statistics about alcoholism, alcoholics, and alcohol abuse are presented. It is with this thought in mind that the following alcohol-related information is provided:

In the United States during 2004, 16,694 deaths occurred as a consequence of alcohol-related motor-vehicle accidents. This amount was roughly 39% of all traffic fatalities. This amounts to one alcohol-related death every 31 minutes.
Every year in the U.S. more than 150,000 college students develop alcohol-related health problems.
9.6% of adult alcoholics drink 25% of the alcohol that is consumed by all adult drinkers.
Every year, 1,400 American college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related crashes and injuries, including motor vehicle accidents.
25.9% of American underage drinkers who are alcohol abusers and alcohol dependent drink almost half (47.3%) of the alcohol that is consumed by all underage drinkers.
Every day in the United States, more than 13,000 children and teens take their first drink.
American youth who drink before the of age of 15 are four times more likely to become alcoholics than young adults who do not drink before the age of 21.
Alcohol addiction and alcohol abuse cost the United States an estimated $220 billion in 2005. This dollar amount was more than the cost connected with and obesity ($133 billion) or worth cancer ($196 billion)

About Alcohol Facts

denman3 — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 09:38:12 CDT

Alcohol Facts From an Historical Perspective

In spite of the fact that alcohol has been used in a variety of different ways throughout much of recorded human history that can be called "useful," it is essential to call attention to the fact that thousands of years ago some perceptive and discerning individuals also discussed some of the destructive and unhealthy outcomes of excessive drinking and alcohol abuse. For instance, a recently discovered Chinese document written approximately 650 B.C. not only articulated how difficult it was for people at that time to do without beer but it also gave warnings about the "abuse" of beer.

Plato and Aristotle: Critical of Public Drunkenness

Traveling even further back in history, two remarkable Greek philosophers, namely Plato and Aristotle, openly denounced public displays of drunkenness. It is, therefore, with a certain sense of irony to note that despite the fact that fundamental information concerning the negative consequences of abusing alcohol has been known for centuries, alcohol addiction, "problem drinking," and alcohol abuse continue to destroy human lives in our "enlightened" and "aware" society.

About Alcohol Abuse

denman3 — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 09:10:42 CDT

What Is Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol abuse is defined a pattern of drinking that can result in the experience of recurring alcohol-related legal problems (such as DWIs and DUIs); ongoing alcohol-related relationship problems; the failure to attend to important responsibilities at school, work, or at home; or physical injury during a twelve-month time frame.

Why Take Risks With Your Life?

If you abuse alcohol you could be taking some major health risks with your life. How? Many individuals who involve themselves in binge drinking, who drink excessively, or who abuse alcohol in any way can eventually become alcohol dependent. In other words, those who continuously abuse alcohol are essentially playing roulette with their health due to the fact that such behavior may initiate the transition from "alcohol abuse" to "alcohol dependence."

Strive For Positive Changes

Why not do something healthy and constructive for yourself and stop abusing alcohol before you experience a major alcohol-related problem such as the loss of a job, a potential alcohol overdose, or becoming alcohol dependent? Remember that "drinking in moderation" can work for many individuals. For those who cannot consume any alcoholic beverages, however, sobriety seems to be the only sensible course of action.

Alcohol Abuse Info

denman3 — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 08:50:50 CDT

What Is Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that can result in ongoing alcohol-related relationship problems; physical injury; the experience of recurring alcohol-related legal problems (such as DWIs and DUIs); and/or the failure to attend to important responsibilities at school, work, or at home during a twelve-month time period. The bottom line is that alcohol abuse leads to a number of serious alcohol-related problems that get worse as the abuse increases.

Why Gamble With Your Life?

If you abuse alcohol you could be gambling with your life. How? Many people who drink excessively, who involve themselves in binge drinking, or who abuse alcohol in any way can eventually become alcohol dependent.

The Need For a Constructive Change in Your Life

Why not do something positive and healthy for yourself and stop abusing alcohol before you experience a major alcohol-related problem such as the destruction of a relationship, a possible alcohol overdose, or becoming addicted to alcohol? Keep in mind that "drinking in moderation" can work for many people. For those who cannot have any alcoholic beverages, however, sobriety is the only realistic course of action.

Alcoholics Info

denman3 — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 22:31:27 CDT

People with a "drinking problem" and who are addicted to alcohol are defined as "alcoholics." Even though there are many behaviors that alcoholics exhibit, the following identifiable traits and characteristics are the most typical of alcoholics: their drinking interferes with their work, family, or friends; they experience unsuccessful efforts to reduce their drinking; they drink more and they drink more frequently; they suffer from alcohol withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking; they continue drinking despite negative consequences such as relationship, employment, or legal problems; and they experience increased tolerance over time.

If this sounds like a repulsive circumstance to be in, it is. In fact, the effects of alcoholism are not only unhealthy and damaging, but all too often, fatal.

Alcohol Treatment Info

denman3 — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 21:46:36 CDT

Not unlike other medical problems and diseases, alcohol addiction can be overcome with prevention, effective treatment, and increased research endeavors. Frequently, the first step utilized in the alcohol treatment protocol is detoxification, a process which lets the body rid itself of alcohol while controlling the withdrawal symptoms in a harm-free environment.

Alcohol Recovery Info

denman3 — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 20:46:36 CDT

Depending on the scope of the program, alcohol recovery refers to the emotional, educational, social, and/or medical treatment processes required for an individual to quit drinking alcohol. Ultimately, the goal of alcohol recovery is to help the alcoholic quit his or her addictive behavior so that he or she can avoid the psychological, physical, financial, legal, and social effects that are typically caused by alcohol addiction.

If you are alcohol dependent, isn't it time for you to make a constructive and healthy change in your life and restore your life by getting sober?

About Alcoholism Facts

denman3 — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 20:13:32 CDT

The consequences of alcoholism are not only dangerous, but also fatal. For instance, abusive drinking can increase the risk for certain cancers, such as cancer of the throat, esophagus, colon, larynx, rectum, kidneys, and liver.

Excessive drinking can also lead to immune system problems, harm to the fetus while the mother is pregnant, cirrhosis of the liver, chronic alcoholism, and brain damage. Furthermore, heavy drinking increases the risk of recreational and work-related injuries and accidents. Finally, homicides and suicides are more likely to be committed by individuals who have been drinking alcohol. Unfortunately, it appears that that many people are unaware of this type of "alcohol awareness."

About Alcoholics Anonymous

denman3 — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 19:56:40 CDT

When most people think about Alcoholics Anonymous and their traditions such as The Big Book, the 12 Steps, the AA meetings, and the 12 Traditions, one conclusion that many of them reach is that with Alcoholics Anonymous, help is always close by and accessible for individuals who are concerned about refraining from drinking, maintaining their sobriety, and restoring their lives.

About Alcohol Testing

denman3 — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 19:37:14 CDT

As time goes by, there is an increasng amount of verification that most, if not all, alcohol-related highway fatalities can be prevented. In addition, an increasing amount of pressure is being exerted on drunk driving legislators by organizations such as MADD. And finally, more and more documentation has shown that conditions such as fetal alcohol syndrome are preventable.

As a result of these growing pressures, it is logical to conclude that alcohol testing will become even more widely used and put into practice in the near future by educational institutions, governmental agencies, organizations, and workplaces in our society. In short, alcohol tests are fast becoming an integral part of the workplace environment.