Newsletter

November 3, 2005 Keeping An Open Mind

In a fast paced world filled with stress, anxiety and a need to perform at high levels we often rely on drugs to help us relax and relieve tension. One of the most accessible drugs, the drug of choice for many, is alcohol.

According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence about 18 million Americans abuse alcohol. Each year more than 100,000 Americans die of alcohol-related causes. Alcohol is a factor in nearly half of all traffic deaths. Because alcohol is ever-present in our society it is by far one of the easiest drugs to overuse or abuse.

Questions often come up about whether someone is an alcoholic. This issue of the newsletter is focused on the subject of alcoholism. There are some very clear guidelines that define alcoholism and in the first article, "Alcoholism-FAQ's", I explain what those guidelines are. In the second article, “Alcohol Problem?”, I offer a test that will help you to determine where you are when it comes to alcohol.

Please consider sharing this newsletter with friends or family that might be interested in the subject. If you have received this newsletter from a... Please read on

Alcoholism-FAQ's

What is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is considered a disease that is chronic and gets progressively worse over time. The alcoholic is dependent upon alcohol and has the following characteristics:
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... Please read on

Alcohol Problem?

Do you have an alcohol problem?

What follows is a list of questions that require a yes or no answer. Please answer all the questions. You can rate yourself at the end.

Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
Has a friend or relative ever asked that you cut down or stop 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 to stea... Please read on