| For most people, the consumption of alcohol is nothing | | | | symptoms of withdrawal present, |
| more than pleasant activity that takes place at some | | | | - Loss of control or the inability to control ones alcohol |
| type of social activity. Generally speaking, two drinks | | | | consumption, |
| per day for men and one for women does not | | | | - Tolerance or the need to drink greater amounts of |
| produce any harmful effects. Regardless, a large | | | | alcohol in order to get drunk. |
| number of Americans suffer serious consequences | | | | Many people wonder why some people can consume |
| due to their drinking. Current statistics state that nearly | | | | alcohol without any consequences, while others drink |
| 13 million Americans abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. | | | | without limits. One reason has been linked directly to |
| The consequences we speak of are quite serious and | | | | genetics. Another factor has to do with the |
| can be life threatening. Alcohol slows down and can | | | | environment and peer pressure, while a person's brain |
| alter brain activity, as well as, the central nervous | | | | chemistry can play an integral part in how a person |
| system. Alcoholic drinking can increase the risk for | | | | drinks alcohol. In most cases, it is a combination of the |
| cancer, cause cirrhosis of the liver, problems within the | | | | above. |
| immune system, damage the fetus of a pregnant | | | | Lastly it is important to note that not everyone that |
| woman or create medical complications within the | | | | drinks regularly is alcoholic or even has a drinking |
| stomach or heart. | | | | problem. Everyone is different. The best thing to do if |
| It should be clear that alcohol in itself is a drug that can | | | | you think you or someone you know might have a |
| produce serious medical consequences, but when | | | | problem with alcohol is to consult a professional who |
| mixed with other drugs or prescription medications it | | | | specializes in the treatment of alcoholism. You can also |
| becomes even more lethal. It is highly recommended | | | | take the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test online |
| that a person consult with their physician or pharmacist | | | | right now. If a person does have a problem with |
| if they drink alcohol and consume prescription or over | | | | alcohol the one thing we are sure of is that without |
| the counter medications. | | | | intervention, alcoholism treatment or an effective |
| Alcoholism, also known as "alcohol dependence" has | | | | alcohol rehabilitation program, the amount and |
| been termed a disease by the American Medical | | | | frequency of drinking will become progressively worse. |
| Association and this disease includes four distinct | | | | So, if you know someone who is struggling with |
| symptoms: | | | | alcohol, find an alcohol rehab program and get them |
| - Craving or the compulsion to drink alcohol, | | | | help today. |
| - The development of a physical dependence with | | | | |