Alcoholism is a chronic illness characterized by the habitual consumption of alcohol. This is done to the degree that it interferes with physical or mental health, or with normal social or work behavior. It produces both physical and psychological addiction.

Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease. It will not just go away on its own. Learning about treatment options is important. There are many ways to learn more about the disease of alcoholism:
* Call the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence at (800) NCA-CALL.
* Call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) at (800) 729-6686.
* For Alcoholics Anonymous materials write AA World Services, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115. Phone: (212) 870-3400.

If you have a drinking problem, you may want to attend Alcoholics Anonymous. Look up "Alcoholics Anonymous" in the white pages of your phone book. Call for the nearest location and meeting times in your area.

An inexpensive book called Under the Influence, by Milam & Ketcham is available in most bookstores. It discusses the disease concept of alcoholism. Many other books on alcoholism are available at your bookstore or library.

If you have a student or employee assistance program available to you, check them out. They will generally offer education, counseling, and referral services.

Many hospitals or special agencies have programs offering alcohol and drug treatment. You can find these services by looking under "alcoholism" or "alcoholism treatment" in the yellow pages of your phone book. Some programs offer help with an intervention that is an activity that may help an alcoholic accept treatment.

The family of the alcoholic will need treatment, too. There are support groups and treatment services for the family of alcoholics. Ask your healthcare provider, or look up "Al-Anon" or "Adult Children of Alcoholics" in the white pages.

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