What can I do if I think a loved one is an alcoholic?

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If you or your loved one have symptoms such as those described above, alcoholism may be to blame. Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous have quizzes on their Web sites designed to tell you whether you might be an alcoholic (see links below). To be sure, however, you should discuss the issue with your doctor.

Many alcoholics do not want help and often deny that they have a problem. In this case, family members can seek professional help with counselors to plan an "intervention," a group confrontation to urge the loved one to accept treatment for his or her problem.

If you think that a loved one is an alcoholic, seek help as soon as possible through your doctor or one of the groups listed below. Do not attempt to talk to your friend or relative about the problem when they are drinking, and try to avoid blaming them when you do talk about it. Also, seek support for yourself through a group such as Al-Anon, which helps families and friends of alcoholics (see below).

Where can I get help and/or more information about alcoholism?

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) is an independent volunteer organization that provides free information and referrals for counseling and support. Call (800) 622-2255, a 24-hour "hope line," to be referred to a local NCADD affiliate.

12 W. 21st St.
New York, NY 10010
http://www.ncadd.org

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has over 50,000 chapters in the United States Check their Web site or your local phone book, or call (212) 870-3400 to find a group near you.

P.O. Box 459
Grand Central Station
New York, NY, 10163
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) provides support groups and information for people who are dependent on alcohol and/or drugs and want to become sober.

SOS National Clearinghouse
4773 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90026
(323) 666-4295
http://www.secularhumanism.org/index.php?section=sos&page=index

Rational Recovery Systems also provides nonreligious support for people who want to achieve sobriety.

Box 800
Lotus, CA, 95651
(530) 621-4374
http://www.rational.org/recovery

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is a public institute within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Their Web site features links to the latest research, government publications and answers to frequently asked questions about alcohol and alcohol abuse.

6000 Executive Boulevard, Willco Building
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
(301) 443-3885
http://www.niaaa.nih.gov

Al-Anon and Alateen (for teenagers) provide support programs for families and friends of alcoholics using the same approach as Alcoholics Anonymous. Check their Web site or your local phone book, or call 888-425-2666 to find a group near you.

Al-Anon Family Groups Headquarters, Inc.
Corporate Landing Parkway
Virginia Beach, VA, 23454
http://www.al-anon-alateen.org

References

Eriksson CJ. The role of acetaldehyde in the actions of alcohol (update 2000). Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2001 May;25(5 Suppl ISBRA):15S-32S

O'Neill SE, Sher KJ. Physiological alcohol dependence symptoms in early adulthood: a longitudinal perspective. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2000 Nov;8(4):493-508

Jacob T, Windle M. Young adult children of alcoholic, depressed and nondistressed parents. J Stud Alcohol 2000 Nov;61(6):836-44

DeWit DJ, Adlaf EM, Offord DR, Ogborne AC. Age at first alcohol use: a risk factor for the development of alcohol disorders. Am J Psychiatry 2000 May;157(5):745-50

FDA Approves New Drug for Treatment of Alcoholism. FDA Talk Paper. July 29, 2004. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2004/ANS01302.html

Brief Intervention Support Materials. Prescribing Medications for Alcohol Dependence. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

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Reviewed: 03/2006