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Adult Children of Alcoholics: Complicated Childhood, Complex Adulthood

Most of our childhoods were full of happiness, fulfillment and good memories. Even as adults we all have times when childhood memories beckon us to the point where we daydream and sometimes even hope that we could relive our youth. But for many, those childhood memories are not so good. Unhappy memories might include recollections of times when one (or sometimes both) of our parents or caregivers were under the influence of alcohol. 

When Gambling Becomes Addiction

Gambling is an activity that is enjoyed by many people looking for entertainment and fun. Most people who gamble will never develop a gambling problem; however, some people who gamble will find that a once innocent and harmless activity has begun to take more and more time and energy, and more of their money than they ever might have imagined. 

Heroin Abuse and Addiction

Heroin use has increased in the suburbs, with women and those with higher incomes. The use of heroin has doubled among those 18-25 years old. There is a heroin epidemic in the St. Louis region due to being in close proximity to Chicago, decreased cost and increased availability in the powder form. Heroin addiction can be difficult to stop. Addiction can start gradually for some, or for others it can be immediate.

The Epidemic of Prescription Drug Abuse

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified prescription drug abuse as an epidemic. While there has been a marked decrease in the use of some illegal drugs like cocaine, data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health show that nearly one-third of people aged 12 and over who used drugs for the first time began by using a prescription drug non-medically.

Frontline Supervisor: Alcohol and Your Employees

Q. I am a skeptic who believes that alcoholics can’t learn to quit drinking. Aren’t success rates from treatment programs overblown? My father drank until his last days, and there were a lot of incidents that should have motivated him to quit.

Are Electronic Cigarettes Safe?

Studies have shown that e-cigarettes can cause short-term lung changes that are much like those caused by regular cigarettes. Learn more about the health risks of electronic cigarettes.

Alcohol and Your Health

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month. Approximately 80,000 deaths are attributed to excessive alcohol use each year in the United States. This makes excessive alcohol use the 3rd leading lifestyle-related cause of death for the nation. 

Living With an Addicted Loved One: Going from Surviving to Living

Living with a loved one who has an addiction is a stressful and often painful experience. The effects of addiction on family members are long lasting and can be devastating. If you are living in a family where addiction is a problem, here are practical steps you can take to help yourself and encourage the addicted person to seek help.

Understanding Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol is the most widely abused drug. Approximately 10% of the U.S. population has an alcohol problem, and nearly all people with an alcohol issue are employed and have a family. Signs of alcohol abuse include drinking to relax, having blackouts or forgetting what happened while drinking and increased alcohol use. Those who abuse alcohol may not as responsible at home or at work as they once were. They may also have legal issues such as DWIs. Financial stress can increase due to job loss and money spent on drinking. Alcohol problems affect job performance, creating absenteeism, tardiness and decreased performance. Alcoholics may experience tolerance, which is when a person has to drink more to get the same effect. 

Adult Children of Alcoholics: Complicated Childhood, Complex Adulthood

Most of our childhoods were full of happiness, fulfillment and good memories. Even as adults we all have times when childhood memories beckon us to the point where we daydream and sometimes even hope that we could relive our youth. But for many, those childhood memories are not so good. Unhappy memories might include recollections of times when one (or sometimes both) of our parents or caregivers were under the influence of alcohol.