From Buddy T,
Your Guide to Alcoholism.
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

Alcohol Abuse Screening Quiz
Answering these 20 questions will give you an idea if your drinking patterns are safe, risky or harmful. The test is completely confidential and anonymous.

Alcohol Problem FAQ
Frequently asked questions about alcohol problems binge drinking and alcohol dependence.

But It Doesn't Act Like a Disease!
The difficulty in recognizing alcoholism as a disease is it sure doesn't seem like one.

So You've Decided to Stop Drinking...
If you have decided for whatever reason that you want to stop drinking there is a world of help and support available.

Problem Drinkers
Many people who have a problem with alcohol are not alcoholics and in order to quit drinking they do not necessarily need medical treatment peer group support or a spiritual awakening.

Withdrawal Symptoms
When long-time drinkers or heavy drinkers decide to quit cold turkey they can experience withdrawal symptoms that can range from mild to severe and even life-threatening.

Dry Drunks
Unfortunately when many former drinkers go through the grieving process over the loss of their old friend the bottle some never get past the anger stage.

Hitting Bottom
For those suffering from the disease of alcoholism it seems to be an almost universal truth that before things can get better they have to get worse -- sometimes a lot worse.

What is Alcoholism, Exactly?
For many people, the facts about alcoholism are not clear. What is alcoholism, exactly? How does it differ from alcohol abuse?

The 12 Steps Not for You?
If spritual based approaches to recovery are not for you, there are many other programs and methods available.

Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers
If you are chemically dependent upon alcohol, you may need medical assistance to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms. Here's where to find a treatment center near you.

Information for Family Members

Why Do I Need Help? He's the Alcoholic!
The disease of alcoholism affects everyone in the family whether they realize it or not.

Enabling
Many times when family and friends try to "help" alcoholics they are actually making it easier for them to continue in the progression of the disease.

Denial
One of the most frustrating factors in dealing with alcoholism as a relative friend or professional is it is almost always accompanied by a phenomenon known as "denial."

Detachment
For the friends and family of the alcoholic the key to serenity is finding the wisdom to know the difference between what they can and cannot change.

Adult Children
Most of us who grew up in families affected by the disease of alcoholism never did really grow up in many ways.