National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD): Definition of Alcoholism
This was published in 1992 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Mayo Clinic: Alcoholism (Mayo Clinic staff, May 8, 2008)
This comprehensive overview gives you a definition, symptoms, causes, risk factors, when to seek medical advice, tests and diagnosis, complications, treatments and drugs, prevention, coping and support, and alternative medicine.
What Alcohol Does to You
Center for Substance Abuse Research (CESAR): Alcohol Profile
CESAR is housed in the University of Maryland at College Park and conducts research, evaluation, and technical assistance; and helps train students to research substance abuse and analyze policy. Dedicated to addressing the problems substance abuse creates for individuals, families, and communities. Their mission is to inform policymakers, practitioners, and the general public about the nature and extent, prevention and treatment, and relation to other problems of substance abuse. The profile above talks about alcohol composition and content in various drinks, short-and long-term effects, other problems, symptoms of alcohol poisoning, alcohol and gender, alcoholism warning signs, and links.
Mayo Clinc: Alcohol Poisoning (Mayo Clinc staff, Dec. 11, 2008)
This informative guide walks you through the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning, including treatment and when to call a doctor.
Mayo Clinc: Hangovers (Mayo Clinc staff, Dec. 21, 2007)
This guide explains what a hangover is, the risk factors, complications, and treatment.
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
An agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that has programs, funding, and information on mental health and substance abuse. Their mission is to build resilience and facilitate recovery for people at risk or with a mental health or substance abuse condition. Their vision is ‘a life in the community for everyone.’ They are broken down into the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), and the Office of Applied Studies (OAS).
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP)
CSAP, from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, works with states and communities, including schools and employers, to create positive, drug-free environments. They provide grants and resources for organizations, schools, professionals, and others involved in prevention efforts.
Office of Applied Studies (OAS)
One of the programs of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The latest national data, including reports, on alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, drug-related emergency room visits and medical examiner cases, information on specific drugs, and the nation’s substance abuse treatment system.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Evidence-based research across a broad variety of disciplines to both educate and significantly improve drug abuse and addiction prevention, treatment and policy. These efforts range from detecting and responding to emerging drug abuse trends and understanding how drugs work in the brain and body to developing and testing new treatment and prevention approaches. They have information for specific audiences: medical and health professionals, researchers, parents and teachers, and students and young adults.
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
Offers a wealth of information in on video, posters, brochures, fact sheets, wallet cards, reports and more that can either be downloaded or ordered free of charge. There is a wide range of issues and many kinds of audiences to choose from, ranging from friends and family, general public, researchers, clinicians – too many to list here. 800-729-6686
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Researches and collaborates with other research institutes and federal programs, collaborates internationally, nationally, and locally, and translates and disseminates the research findings to health care providers, researchers, policymakers, and the public.
National Library of Medicine
Find information, articles, statistics and more in this searchable directory.
The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA)
Calling substance abuse our nation’s number-one health problem, CASA aims to educate the public on addiction’s social and economic costs and remove addiction’s stigma. CASA studies substance abuse with all the relevant professional disciplines, seeking to defeat it. Two of their focus areas are on children between the ages of 8-13 and up to and including high school.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine
The American Society of Addiction Medicine is a professional organization that seeks to improve the quality of treatment for addiction both through the conduct of its members and for the patients themselves. They have links to scholarly journals, some of which are available for free and some of which require a paid subscription. Read their strategic plan for 2006 through 2010.
The National Association of Lesbian and Gay Addiction Professionals
Dedicated to the prevention and treatment of addiction. Offers information, articles, training, networking, advocacy and support on addiction and related problems specifically for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered individuals, health professionals, and others concerned with sexual-and gender minority health.
A program to educate college students and others in the college community on the signs of alcohol poisoning (overdose) and how to administer emergency treatment, including CPR. The website itself has resources, materials, and links.
The Cool Spot
A website with information on alcohol and how to resist peer pressure designed specifically for young teens.
Stop Underage Drinking
Federal resources are culled and brought into one spot, with state videos reporting on the successes and challenges those states have experienced in addressing underage drinking, statistics, funding, and resources for holding a town hall meeting. The articles and reports are categorized by audience or subject, including community/faith-based, parents, enforcement/adjudication, youth, business, educators, and prevention/treatment.
Too Smart to Start
A prevention-oriented website aimed at youth, families, educators and communities. It is filled with resources and information, including a guide on conducting a needs assessment in your community.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (rev. 2006) “Make a Difference: Talk to Your Child About Alcohol”
A guide for parents of children between the ages of 10-14 who want to reach them before they begin to drink. Besides information and talking points for parents, there are also resources in the back.
Drug Free Pennsylvania
Information for parents, educators, employers and the media about various drugs and their street names, Pennsylvania surveys and other substance abuse news. For employers, offers drug-free workplace policy writing and review, employee drug and alcohol testing, supervisor and employee training, employee assistance program (EAP), full program consultation following implementation, and workplace promotional materials.
Mayo Clinic: “Alcohol Use: Why Moderation is Key” (Mayo Clinic staff, Aug. 23, 2008)
How many drinks constitute drinking in “moderation?” What are the benefits of drinking in moderation and the risks of excessive drinking? What health conditions are dangerous to drink alcohol? What common over-the-counter and prescription medications interact dangerously with alcohol? Read this and find out.
Mayo Clinic: “Alcohol Use: Do You Have a Drinking Problem?” (Mayo Clinic staff, Mar. 27, 2009)
This interactive self-assessment tool lets you rate your drinking habits and gives you guidance on what your next steps might be.
Rethinking Drinking: Alcohol and Your Health (PDF File – Feel free to reprint)
A research based pamphlet from the National Institutes of Health helps assess drinking habits and gives ideas on how to make changes for those who wish to cut down on or quit drinking.
Career Couch: Eilene Zimmerman (8/1/09) “Are Three Martinis Too Many?” The New York Times
This question-and-answer format is designed for people new to the corporate world or for those who need a refresher, including how to tell if you have a drinking problem that needs to be addressed.
The Ethicist: Randy Cohen (9/30/09) “Transportation Policies” The New York Times Magazine
Randy puts drunk driving in perspective.
“High Functioning, But Still Alcoholics” (Brody, Jane E., The New York Times, 5/4/09)
This type of alcoholic is often overlooked and given a free pass.
Times Essentials: “Questions for Your Doctor: What to Ask About Alcoholism” (Downs, Martin, The New York Times, 5/1/09)
Here is some help if you have been newly diagnosed with alcoholism.
“Opening Wide His (Repaired) Heart” (Itzkoff, Dave, The New York Times, 11/19/09)
Actor and comedian Robin Williams talks about recovering from alcoholism, among other things.
More Americans Drinking Alcohol (Mann, Denise, Health.com, 07/20/10)
According to a new study of the nation’s drinking habits, the percentage of men and women who drank alcohol increased, as did the percentage of whites, blacks, and Hispanics. While the average number of drinks consumed did remain steady, the study found an uptick in the number of people who binge drink at least once a month.
Drinking Habits Spread In Social Networks (Harding, Anne, Health.com, 04/06/10)
If a friend or relative starts drinking more heavily–or decides to drink less or give up alcohol entirely–you’re more likely to do the same, according to a new study that found heavy drinkers, moderate drinkers, and teetotalers tend to cluster within social networks.
Mayo Clinc: “Intervention: Help a Loved One Overcome Addiction” (Mayo Clinic staff, Aug. 27, 2009)
Yeah, yeah, I know there is that show on A&E, but I want more information on how to do one of my own. This tells you exactly how to do it, including when you can do it yourself, and when you need a professional, and how to find one.
The Bucks County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.
Provides interventions free of charge in the 5-county Philadelphia region and New Jersey. If you are outside of the area, they can work with you as well. You must call first and meet certain criteria: 800-221-6333 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A searchable directory of private and public drug and alcohol treatment programs around the country that are licensed, certified, or otherwise approved for inclusion by their State Alcohol and Drug Abuse authority. 800-662-HELP (4357)
SAMHSA’s Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator
A directory of drug and alcohol treatment centers, including residential treatment centers, outpatient treatment programs, and hospital inpatient programs for drug addiction and alcoholism. Listings include treatment programs for marijuana, cocaine, and heroin addiction, as well as drug and alcohol treatment programs for adolescents, and adults.
Support Groups and Programs
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.
Their mission is to fight the stigma and disease of alcohol and other addictions through its affiliates, public education campaigns, advocacy, and publications. Maintains a 24-hour affiliate referral line (the Hope Line): 800-NCA-CALL and coordinates a National Intervention Network to assist families and friends of addicted persons: 800-654-HOPE.
Bucks County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.
Non-profit affiliate of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. serving the 5-county Philadelphia region (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties). Services are prevention, intervention, consultation, education, advocacy, assessment, intervention and treatment available regardless of ability to pay, ethnicity, race, gender, age or sexual/gender orientation. Also has trainings for people looking for certification. The Alcohol & Other Drug Information & Recovery Support Line is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for community members, service providers, community organizations, and professionals: 800-221-6333.
PRO-ACT (Pennsylvania Recovery Organization—Achieving Community Together)
A project of the Bucks County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., seeks to reduce the stigma of addiction, ensure the availability of adequate treatment and recovery support services, and to influence public opinion and policy regarding the value of recovery, has offices, recovery community centers (including a women’s recovery center), and recovery training centers in Doylestown, West Chester, Philadelphia, Bristol, and New Britain, PA. Programs vary by location. The toll-free number can answer your questions about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, give you support and advocacy, and point you in the right direction for treatment: 800-221-6333.
Coordinating Office for Drug & Alcohol Abuse Programs (CODAAP)
Through the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, CODAAP administers Philadelphia’s outpatient and residential drug and alcohol programs and services through contracts with community providers. Main number: 215-685-5444; toll-free number: 888-545-2600.
Support Groups – 12 Step
Southeastern Pennsylvania InterGroup Association of Alcoholics Anonymous (SEPIA)
Administers and coordinates the Alcoholics Anonymous groups in Southeastern Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties) 215-923-7900
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Primarily for the alcoholic person, although others are welcome to attend “open” meetings (“closed” meetings are for alcoholics only).
Al-Anon / Alateen
Al-Anon is for the spouse/partner and other affected adults of the alcoholic person, while Alateen is for the children of alcoholics.
Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service Organization, Inc.
For people who grew up with an alcoholic parent(s) or in a dysfunctional household and who want to learn how this has affected their choices and eradicate the unhealthy patterns they have learned to cope.
Alcohol: A Women’s Issue
This program by the National Institutes of Health features narratives of seven women recovering from problems with alcohol. These stories make it clear that it’s possible to miss danger signs and that social drinking can become problem drinking, which in turn can evolve into addiction. Abuse and alcoholism are often perceived as problems that only affect men, but alcoholism has been on the rise among women for the last 30 years.
Health: Defining Alcoholism
What are the symptoms of alcoholism? When should you worry? A panel of experts discusses the causes and warning signs of alcoholism and how to recognize them in yourself.
Alcoholic Mother Goes to Rehab
In this ABC News report after more than 20 years of drinking, Lynn Wardlow checks into rehab.
20/20: Mom Left Job and Fell Into Alcoholism
Life for stay-at-home mom goes from Pinot in park to Merlot in morning.
Ferguson Speaks From The Heart
Craig Ferguson, host of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on CBS, speaks on his past problems as an alcoholic.
This application allows you to track your drinking behavior and become more aware of drinking risks and consequences with your iPhone. =8