Teen alcohol use is a significant problem in the United States. Nearly one-third of teens throughout the country have taken their first drink before the age of 15. More than 25% of American teenagers drink alcohol regularly, and about half of those drink heavily enough to be considered addicted to alcohol. While these statistics may…
The start of a new year is always a good time to begin working on your life goals, and a commitment to kicking an addiction is one of the best goals you can set for yourself. However, getting rid of an addiction is a lofty feat that can be challenging to reach without creating smaller stepping stone…
Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, affects millions of adults in the United States. Though we tend to lump people addicted to alcohol into a stereotype, there is no typical alcoholic. In fact, there are five subgroups of alcohol addiction that are recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Regardless of what kind of alcoholism…
As the holiday season is upon us, how do people in recovery navigate the potential roadblocks and pitfalls that threaten their sobriety? Perhaps you have recently been discharged from alcohol addiction treatment or are still enrolled in an outpatient program as the holidays approach. In this case, some strategies will support you as you enjoy…
The consumption of alcohol is legal in the United States over the age of 21. Unfortunately, this intoxicating substance is also very commonly abused, creating a dangerous cocktail when combined with other prescribed, over-the-counter, or illegal drugs. Alcohol has the effect of compounding other substances’ side effects, which increases the risk of alcohol poisoning, overdose,…
An alcoholic is defined as a person who suffers from alcohol use disorder. This disease was at one time known as alcoholism, which originated from a person’s intense and uncontrollable need to consume alcohol regardless of its harmful effects. Just as every person has their own unique characteristics, there is no such thing as a…
There are various signs and symptoms of a drinking problem. Some are easy to recognize, while others are more subtle. In addition, the severity of a person’s drinking problem can make the warning signs more obvious. However, mild alcohol abuse, or high-functioning alcoholics, are often overlooked. Unfortunately, what seems to be minor issues become worse…
Traditional wisdom suggests two basic types of addiction. Either a person is born with the potential for addiction due to genetics, or they develop an addiction with extended substance abuse. Often, the issue becomes a combination of the two. That’s a simplified explanation of this condition, but there may be more underlying issues when evaluating each…