Getting Sober

"People who are experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms should not treat these symptoms at home."

"Alcoholism research shows that all approaches to alcoholism recovery depend on the desire of the person to get and remain sober. Effective treatment programs enhance this motivation with intervention and therapy."

"While alcohol detox is regularly employed as the first step in the alcohol treatment process, alcohol detox alone with no further treatment and follow-up, will neither result in sobriety nor in alcohol recovery."

"The main symptom of alcohol abuse occurs when someone continues to drink after their drinking reaches a level that causes recurrent problems."

"One very typical belief among many people is that drug abusers should be able to quit taking drugs if they are only willing to change their behavior. What people often fail to comprehend is the complexity of drug addiction-that it is a disease that impacts the brain and because of this, quitting drug abuse is not simply a matter of willpower."

"According to a report published by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, eighty-seven percent of adults who drink had their first drink before the age 21."

"Parents often assume that teens try alcohol and drugs to rebel or to 'fit in' with their peer group. However, teens with undiagnosed emotional or behavioral problems often use drugs and alcohol as a way to relieve their frustrations."

"A major unmet need exists in the treatment of alcohol use disorders: In 2002, 1.4 million U.S. youth met the criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence, but only 227,000 actually received any treatment for these problems."

"Drinking can become a habit. You might have friends or family members who drink often, so drinking a lot might seem normal. Or you might not realize how much or how often you drink. You might not be aware of the problems that alcohol causes in your life. But the more you drink, the greater is your risk for becoming addicted to alcohol."

"Call your doctor whenever you or someone you love has an alcohol-related problem. Remember, alcoholism is an illness that can be treated, not a sign of weakness or poor character."

"Alcohol abusers who require surgery also have an increased risk of postoperative complications, including infections, bleeding, insufficient heart and lung functions, and problems with wound healing."

"According to a report published by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, eighty-seven percent of adults who drink alcoholic beverages had their first drink before the age of twenty-one."

"Research shows that up to 40% of industrial fatalities and 47% of injuries in the U.S. workplace are linked to alcohol consumption and alcoholism."

"Alcohol addiction research demonstrates that coping with alcohol abuse is difficult, not only for the individual who engages in alcohol abuse but also for family members and friends. Unfortunately, as the abusive drinking behavior continues, so do the alcohol-related issues and difficulties that affect virtually every important aspect in the problem drinker's life."

"When a person tries drinking alcohol once or twice out of curiosity, this is called experimental alcohol use."

"Absenteeism among alcoholics or problem drinkers is 3.8 to 8.3 times greater in the U.S. than absenteeism among non-alcoholics or among those who are not problem drinkers."

"Nearly all alcoholics have a comorbid psychiatric disorder, most commonly anxiety and mood disorders in women and drug abuse and antisocial personality disorders in men."

"According to U.S. research, long-term excessive drinking increases the risk for certain kinds of stroke, heart disease, and high blood pressure."

"Most people who drink too much don't think of themselves as having "a problem," let alone being an "alcoholic" They are therefore unlikely to seek specialist treatment unless required to do so by their family or by the courts."

"According to a report published by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, eighty-seven percent of adults who drink had their first drink before the age 21."

"Addiction treatment has many forms, but effective treatment will address physical, psychological, emotional and social problems and will involve family members. Make an appointment at a treatment center and attend meetings of local self-help groups to better understand what your loved one is going through. Recovery is much more effective with support from family members and friends."

"An estimated 6.6 million American children under 18 live in households with at least one alcoholic parent."

"According to the alcohol abuse and alcoholism research literature, in the U.S., alcohol is linked with an estimated 5,000 deaths in people under age 21 each year. This is more than all the illegal drugs combined."

"In one survey, 50% of U.S. high school seniors surveyed reported that they drank alcohol in the past 30 days, with 32% of them reporting that they were drunk at least once."

"Research shows that children of alcoholics tend to do worse academically than others, have a higher incidence of depression, anxiety, and stress, and lower self-esteem than their peers."

"According to alcohol abuse and alcoholism research, beer is the drink most commonly consumed by U.S. people stopped for alcohol-impaired driving or involved in alcohol-related crashes."

"Alcohol abuse and alcoholism research shows that how long a patient stays in treatment matters more in most cases than if a patient is treated in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Studies indicate that outpatient treatment lasting less than 90 days results in poorer outcomes."

"According to U.S. drunk driving statistics, in 2001, more than half a million people were injured in crashes where police reported that alcohol was present, an average of one person injured approximately every two minutes."

"U.S. research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other children of becoming alcoholics."