April is Alcohol Awareness Month Published April 11, 2008 7th Medical Group DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- How much do you know about alcohol and the problems/issues surrounding its use? Types of Alcohol Problems: Alcohol Use Disorders include alcohol dependence (known as alcoholism) and alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse is characterized by clinically significant impairment or distress but does not entail physical dependence. Alcohol dependence (alcoholism) is characterized by impaired control over drinking, tolerance, withdrawal syndrome when alcohol is removed, neglect of normal activities for drinking, and continued drinking despite recurrent related physical or psychological problems. Risky drinking includes drinking beyond moderate levels either on a regular basis or on a particular occasion. Who Has An Alcohol Problem? Approximately one-half of US adults report family history of alcoholism or problem drinking. An estimated 74 percent of current male drinkers and 72 percent of current female drinkers aged 21 and older at least once a year exceed guidelines for low risk drinking. More than 18 percent of Americans experience alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence at some time in their lives. Harmful Effects of Alcohol Harmful and hazardous drinking is involved in about one-third of suicides, one-half of homicides, and one-third of child abuse cases. Women overall drink less than men but are more likely to experience adverse consequences including damage to the heart muscle, liver, and brain trauma resulting from auto crashes, interpersonal violence, and death. Researchers have identified no safe threshold for drinking during pregnancy. Alcohol is frequently a factor in the three leading causes of death (motor vehicle crashes, homicides, and suicides) for 15 to 24 year olds. Questions to Help Identify Signs of a Personal Alcohol Problem · Can you predict whether or not you will get drunk? · Do you believe that having fun requires alcohol? · Do you drink after confrontation or when you are angry with someone? · Do you drink to relieve uncomfortable feelings, stress, or to help you relax? · Do you drink more to get the same effect that you got with smaller amounts? · Do you prefer to drink alone? · Do you ever have loss of memory due to drinking? · Do you miss work or have poor work performance because of alcohol? · Have you promised to quit and failed? · Do you feel alone, scared, miserable, and depressed? If you can answer yes to any one of these questions you may need to think about how alcohol use is affecting your life. If you just need someone to talk to or feel you need help call the Mental Health office at 696-5380 or your local Alcoholics Anonymous group at the number listed in your local phone directory. Please, don't wait to seek help.