Alcoholism

Drivers who smoke marijuana within three hours of getting behind the wheel are much more likely to get into a serious vehicle crash than drivers who are not under the influence of either drugs or alcohol. A study of almost 50,000 vehicular collisions found that smoking weed is almost as dangerous as driving with an blood alcohol concentration of 0.08.

The findings were the result of reviewing ten separate research studies on the effects of marijuana in 49,411 auto collisions. Read More...

This week, Feb. 12-18, 2012 marks the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) observance of Children of Alcoholics week to celebrate the recovery of children of all ages who have found recovery from the loss and pain experienced in their childhood. This year's theme is "A Celebration of Hope and Healing" which offers hope for those who are sill adversely impacted by parental alcohol or drug addiction.

The observance of Children of Alcoholics Week is important because the NACoA estimates that 25% of all children in the United States are affected by or exposed to a family alcohol or drug problem.

Those effects can include physical illness, emotional disturbances, behavior problems, lower educational performance, and susceptibility to alcoholism or other addiction later in life, the NACoA says.

For more information about Children of Alcoholics Week and a list of tools and resources for related activities, visit the NACoA website.

More Resources:

• When Mom or Dad Drinks Too Much
  
• Children of Alcoholics
  
• Resources for Children
  

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Alcohol and drug use can progress into abuse and even addiction so insidiously that sometimes people do not realize that it has become a problem for them and those around them. The following self-assessment tests can help you determine whether or not it may be time to get help.

• Alcohol Abuse Screening Quiz
  
• Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Quiz
  
• Marijuana Problem Screening Quiz
  
• Drug Abuse Screening Quiz
  
• Could You Be Depressed?
  

Questions for Families:

• Are You Troubled by Someone's Drinking?
  
• Are You Enabling an Alcoholic or Addict?
  
• Did You Grow Up With a Problem Drinker?
  
• Is Your Child Using Drugs?
  
• Adult Child Screening Quiz
  
• Domestic Abuse Screening Quiz
  

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Whitney Houston Dies at 48... Demi Moore Reportedly Seeking Rehab... Radcliffe: I'm Drunk in Some 'Harry Potter' Scenes... Randy Travis Arrested for Public Intoxication...Griffin O'Neal Gets 16 Months in DUI Case... Traffic Stop Leads to 'Suge' Knight's Arrest... Red Sox Pitcher Boyd Admits Cocaine Use... More... Read more...

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Authorities are cracking down on parents who place their children in danger while being involved in drug use and activity. Many states have passed laws increasing penalties for drug use and possession when children are present and even drunk driving penalties are enhanced if a child is endangered.

Now a 27-year-old California woman has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for the death of her infant, who died after she breastfed him while using methamphetamine. Read More...

Due to a astounding increase in the number of babies being born addicted to prescription drugs, new guidelines have been released to help healthcare providers who care for these children. The American Academy of Pediatrics updated their guidelines for identifying and treating infants who experience drug withdrawal symptoms after birth. Read more...

Related Information:

• Prescription Drug Epidemic Affecting Newborns
  
• Drug Overdose Deaths Double in Five Years
  
• Addiction to Prescription Drugs Can Sneak Up On You

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You wake up with your head pounding from the sound of the alarm. The light from the window is actually painful. You are dizzy and slightly nauseated. You have a major hangover. What is a hangover? What causes all those different symptoms? And most importantly, what can you do about it? Read more...

About Binge Drinking:

• Acute Alcohol Poisoning
  
• Teen's Death Exposes Binge Drinking Dangers
  
• Binge Drinkers Have Highest Risk of Injury

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Do you know someone who hides their drinking from those closest to them? Have you ever seen anyone go out of their way to cover up how much they drink? Is this a sign that they have a drinking problem? You bet it is! Read more...

Related Information:

• Sometimes It Must Get Worse Before It Gets Better
  
• The Dynamics of Denial
  
• Are You Enabling an Addict or Alcoholic?

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Many teens today have been told by their peers that, unlike underage drinking and marijuana use, using and sharing prescription drugs is legal. But the truth is just because you get them out of your mother's medicine cabinet, doesn't make it legal to use, carry or give away those pain pills. Read more...

Related Information:

• Is Your Teenager Using Drugs or Alcohol?
  
• Teen Drinking - Not Just a Phase
  
• How to Talk to Kids about Alcohol

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With prescription drug abuse increasing at epidemic levels, a corresponding rise in the number of drugged drivers on the highways has resulted. The problem has grown so rapidly that it has outpaced both the technology and the ability law enforcement officers to identify and deal with the danger.

Now, thanks to two U.S. senators, some help may be on the way. Read More...