Prevention
If you are the child of an alcoholic parent: Even though alcoholism can be genetic, you can learn to trust, handle your feelings in healthy ways, and build positive, nurturing relationships. This can help protect you from alcohol problems.
If you are a teen or young adult: The risk for alcoholism is higher for people who drink at an early age.
If you are an adult: Drink moderately. Women should limit drinks to one a day, and men should not have more than two drinks a day, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Pregnant women should not drink at all.
Drinking more than the recommended amounts can raise the risk for motor vehicle crashes, injuries, high blood pressure, stroke, violence, suicide and cancer. Even one drink per day can slightly raise the risk of breast cancer. Drinking alcohol while pregnant increases the risk of birth defects. Too much alcohol may cause brain damage, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, damage to the heart, and social and psychological problems.
Talk to a health care professional. Your doctor, nurse, therapist or other health care provider can recommend groups or organizations that will help you avoid alcohol problems.
More on Alcoholism
Risk Factors for Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse
Role of Heredity in Alcoholism
Role of Environment in Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
In the Encyclopedia:
Hepatitis, alcoholic
Alcohol-related neurologic disease
Korsakoff's syndrome
Alcoholism
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