Addiction is a profound and complicated condition, one that is not always easy to understand. It is not uncommon for a person with an alcohol or drug addiction to find themselves wondering why. Why is this happening? Why do I keep turning to these substances when I know the damage they are causing? Why can’t...Read More

Alcohol Use: When Is It a Problem? It is not uncommon for a person who struggles with alcohol use to deny they have a drinking problem. Sometimes, their family and friends can see they are struggling with alcohol use. Other times, the person themselves may wonder if their alcohol consumption has crossed the line. Warning...Read More

Alcohol & the Body Alcohol is a powerful drug that can have harmful effects on every organ and system in the body. Long-term chronic drinking, heavy drinking, or binge drinking can lead to alcohol dependence and addiction. Once an individual has an alcohol use disorder, the adverse effects of the drug have accumulated over time...Read More

Adult Children of Alcoholics One out of every five adults in the United States lived with an alcoholic in their household growing up. Whether it was their mother, father, guardian, or relative, these children faced a higher risk for developing emotional problems than those raised in homes where alcoholism was not present. As adult children...Read More

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, people struggling with an alcohol addiction are at an increased risk for serious health problems, including withdrawal. At a time when the nation’s healthcare system is strained, stay-at-home orders are in place, and social distancing is needed, some people suffering from an alcohol use disorder may not be...Read More

This year is the 33rd year of celebrating Alcohol Awareness Month. Started in 1987, the purpose of this month is to increase awareness of alcohol abuse and addiction and its causes. Additional goals for this month include reducing the stigma attached to alcoholism, encouraging communities to take part in events that spotlight alcoholism and alcohol-related...Read More

An Overview When a person experiences a blackout from drinking an excessive amount of alcohol, they do not necessarily pass out. Typically, the term “blackout” refers to the amnesia brought on by alcohol. During a blackout, the intoxicated individual is often fully conscious and able to engage in various activities, such as talking or walking....Read More

Many people think of an alcoholic as someone who always drinks too much, looks disheveled, has difficulty holding a job, and is struggling financially. They may picture a person who has difficulty in their relationships, or is incarcerated, homeless, or hitting rock bottom. Although those things are true for some people with alcohol use disorder,...Read More

Most people have heard that long-term heavy drinking can lead to liver problems, but cirrhosis is only one of the health risks associated with excessive alcohol use. Research has shown that heavy drinking will damage your health in multiple ways. It’s also a leading preventable cause of death. How Long-Term Heavy Drinking Affects the Body...Read More

While opioids are taking up plenty of space in headlines and on the news, it would be a mistake to ignore the deadly health consequences of alcohol. Alcohol continues to be responsible for its own deadly epidemic—claiming 38,000 more lives each year than opioid abuse. Alcohol Continues to Claim More Lives Than Opioid Abuse Nearly...Read More