Alcoholism Blog

Do you know what SR-22 insurance is? How about "enhanced BAC penalty" or "ignition interlock?" If you or someone you know has been arrested for drunk driving, chances are you may begin to encounter some legal terms for the first time. Here are definitions to many of the terms associated with drunk driving laws in the United States.

More About Drunk Driving:

• The Costs and Penalties of Drunken Driving
  
• The Dangers of Driving While Intoxicated
  
• Why You Should Never Drink and Drive

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If you found illegal drugs in your child's room, would you be able to recognize them? Would you know the difference between harmless allergy medication and dangerous stimulants or sedatives? These photo galleries show the most commonly abused illegal, prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

More Information:

• Commonly Abused Drugs
  
• What Is Substance Abuse?
  
• Frequently Asked Questions

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Women who binge drink or drink heavily experience more brain damage than males who drink the same amount. This damage occurs sooner in women than in men. Additionally, women may experience even more severe long-term effects than men, according to research comparing the brains of male and female drinkers.

More Information:

• Women & Alcohol
  
• Risks for Women
  
• Alcoholism FAQ

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 •  'CSI' Co-Star Gary Dourdan Arrested
     Faces multiple drug charges.
 •  Julie Andrews Writes 'Home'
     Autobiography explores family alcoholism.
 •  MADD Blasts 'Grand Theft Auto'
     Wants 'adults only' rating.
 •  Major Drug Dealer Gets Life
     Mexican cartel leader.
 •  Meth Found in 2-Year-Old
     Mom charged with abuse.
 •  Man Tries to Cash $360 Billion Check
     Seemed like a good idea.

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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
  
• Drug Abuse Screening Quiz
  
• Could You Be Depressed?
  
• Is Your Child Using Drugs or Alcohol?
  

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?
  
• Domestic Abuse Screening Quiz
  
• Adult Child Screening Quiz
  

The mission of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is to bring the power of science to bear on drug abuse and addiction and the agency website does that and much more. The NIDA site provides a wealth of in-depth information, educational material and the latest research developments for students and young adults, parents and teachers, researchers, and medical and health professionals.

More Information:

• What Is Substance Abuse?
  
• Are You Addicted?
  
• How to Quit Alcohol and Drugs

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Deaths attributed to methadone overdose have increased dramatically in the past few years due to its increased use as a pain reliever. What is it about methadone that makes it more dangerous than other pain killers on the market? Why are accidental overdoses so common with methadone?

Related Information:

• Methadone Can Kill Even at Therapeutic Levels
  
• FDA Issues Health Advisory for Methadone
  
• Methadone Deaths Not Linked to Treatment

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An estimated 15.1 percent of drivers in the United States over age 18 have driven under the influence of alcohol at least once in the past year and an estimated 30.5 million people over age 12 have been impaired behind the wheel, according to a first-of-its-kind report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Read more...

For advocates who want to develop more effective community policies and professionals working in the field of alcohol and drug treatment and prevention, the Join Together website is a unique source of information, support and resources. Join Together provides current news, research and funding information for treatment and prevention professionals.

More Information:

• Alcoholism Remains Under-Diagnosed AMA Says
  
• Healthcare System Can Catch Alcohol Problems Earlier
  
• Drug Use Surveys May Underestimate Actual Usage

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There is a big difference between someone sleeping off a night of binge drinking and someone who is experiencing acute alcohol poisoning. Do you know how to tell the difference? Here are the symptoms which can be fatal if ignored.

More Information:

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

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