Know the warning signs of alcohol abuse Published May 28, 2009 By Sally Smith Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Summer is coming upon us rapidly and with it come outdoor sports, barbecues and lazy days along the water, or maybe not. Summer for military members usually means outdoor exercises, making permanent changes of station and hectic days preparing for inspections. Since the events of Sept. 11, 2001, everyone has been required to take on extra duties, whether it is the military member working harder and longer, the spouse who must shoulder more of the burdens in the family or the children who miss mom and dad. With all this stress, when a break appears, we may be eager to make the most of it, and sometimes that includes drinking. While drinking is not on its own problematic, overuse of alcohol to combat the stress of life may be. The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program would like to provide some basic information on alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Q: How often is alcohol a problem? A: Nearly 14 million Americans abuse alcohol or are alcoholics. Recent statistics indicate that about 53 percent of men and women in the United States report one or more or their close relatives have a drinking problem. When it comes to expense, the dollars associated with alcohol abuse, including criminal acts, insurance premiums, and treatment costs the United States about $100 billion annually. Q: What are alcoholism and alcohol abuse? A: Alcoholism's main characteristics are intense cravings, feelings of loss of control, withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is not in the system for extended periods of time (hours/days) and tolerance, a need for more and more alcohol to feel "buzzed" or "drunk." Alcohol abuse is manifested by recurrent behavioral problems that are directly related to drinking. These problems could include recurrent DWIs or other legal problems, poor job performance or problems in relationships. Q: How can you tell if someone you know may have a drinking problem? A: Ask four easy questions: · Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking? · Have people annoyed you by commenting or criticizing your drinking? · Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking (or things you did while drinking) · Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover (also known as an eye opener) These four questions form a simple but effective survey known as the CAGE. If someone answers yes to more than one of these questions, then there is a possibility that their drinking is problematic and they would probably benefit from an evaluation by a professional. Even if the answers are "No" to all four questions, help should be sought if the drinking is causing problems in any aspect of life such as legal, job, financial and relationship problems. Q: Won't getting help mean I'll lose my job? A: Despite the stigma that getting help means destroying careers, the vast majority of individuals seeking help find they actually save their careers and, of course, their lives. Q: How do I get help? A: Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are treatable diseases, like diabetes or cancer, if identified early -- and dealt with -- there is an excellent chance to save a life and to improve the quality of that life. The consequences of not dealing with the disease can prove fatal to the individual and to those around him or her. The ADAPT program at Tinker boasts a wide spectrum of treatments to all active duty personnel and will provide initial evaluations and treatment recommendations to all civilians authorized to receive care on base. Tricare eligible dependents can call Tricare at 1-800-444-5445 for substance abuse services. Additional resources and information can be obtained by contacting: · A doctor · A priest, minister or rabbi · Alcoholics Anonymous, · Al-Anon, Alateen · The National Institute of Drug Abuse Hotline (1-800-662-HELP) · The Health and Wellness Center If you don't get help from one source, keep trying. To learn more about alcohol and its effects, contact the ADAPT Program at 739-7141 or try the Web at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's site: www.niaaa.nih.gov. (All statistical data provided by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism).