When I first talk to people about couples therapy, I usually ask: "Do you drink alcohol? Does your partner?" and if so, "How much?" I also ask whether they use other mind-altering drugs and intoxicants. ...

In his best selling book, I’ll Quit Tomorrow, the late Dr. Vernon Johnson wrote that the hallmark of alcoholism and drug dependence is denial. Accordingly, most substance abusers believe that their problems are caused by ...

It is no secret that drug or alcohol addiction can damage the body and impair the mind. The good news is that with proper medical treatment, counseling and stopping use, these wounds heal over time. ...

Alcohol abuse and depression can be a deadly mix. Often, a person with depression will also have alcoholism, and vice versa. In fact, 30 percent to 50 percent of people with alcoholism, at any given time, ...

If alcoholism seems like a lot to handle, imagine growing up with addicted parents. The alcoholic family is one of chaos, inconsistency, unclear roles, and illogical thinking. Arguments are pervasive, and violence or even incest ...

The Al-Anon (for adults) and Alateen (for teens) program is a Twelve Step program for the relatives and friends of alcoholics or someone who is or has been a problem drinker. It is not uncommon ...

There are few things in life that are more difficult to cope with than a loved one who is dealing with a serious alcohol issue or alcoholism. You love the person and want to reach ...

Americans are increasingly likely to attribute their own — and others' — behavior to innate biological causes. At best that may relieve guilt about behavior we want to change but can't. The quest for genetic ...

The term mood describes a pervasive and sustained emotional state that may affect all aspects of an individual's life and perceptions. Mood disorders are pathologically elevated or depressed disturbances of mood, and include full or ...

For people with dual disorders (also known as "dual diagnosis"), the attempt to obtain professional help can be bewildering and confusing. They may have problems arising within themselves as a result of their psychiatric and ...

For many people, drinking alcohol is nothing more than a pleasant way to relax. However, people with alcohol use disorders drink to excess, endangering both themselves and others. This question-and-answer fact sheet explains alcohol problems ...

A chronic marijuana user has cut down his dosage dramatically, but now his supervisor complains that his job performance as a bricklayer was far better before he started treatment. A recovering alcoholic learned to play the ...

Every holiday season, people have to deal with the increased pressures and stress that the holidays place upon most of us. Whether we're traveling to be with family or doing our last-minute gift buying, most ...

It is possible to make changes before you become dependent on alcohol. Many people change their relationship with alcohol before it is too late. A variety of health and treatment professionals can help people who want ...

Drinking and college go together like "love and marriage"—right? Wrong! Just as the love-marriage connection has increased in complexity over the years, so too has the drinking-college connection. Certainly, we have come a long way from ...