Not everyone who drinks has an alcohol problem. The NIAAA offers some guidelines to help determine whether you or someone you care about may be abusing alcohol. You might want to get help if you notice any of the following: Another set of questions commonly used to determine if a senior has an alcohol problem is the "CAGE" test, developed by Dr. John Ewing:

No. One 12-ounce beer has about as much alcohol as a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a wine cooler.

Occasional drinks at home or with friends does not mean that you have a problem with alcohol. As a guideline: in women, a key indication that there is a degree of alcohol abuse is if you consume more than seven drinks a week and more than three in a social gathering. In men, the rate of consumption would have to equal more than 14 drinks per week or an excess of four drinks while with friends.

If your teen is using alcohol or drugs, you may notice changes in behavior and mood at home, in grades and attitude toward school, and in friends and leisure activities. You may also find evidence such as cigarettes or drugs in your teen's possession, chemical-soaked rags or papers in the trash, or paint or other stains on his or her clothing, hands, or face. The smell of smoke or alcohol on your teen's clothing or breath may indicate a substance abuse problem.

REPEATED INJURIES: Bruises, welts, burns. Parents may seem unconcerned, deny that anything is wrong, or give unlikely explanations for the injuries. NEGLECTED APPEARANCE:Children often are badly nourished, inadequately clothed, are left alone or are wandering at all hours, always seem as if nobody cares. (Sometimes, though, over-neatness may be a sign of abuse.) DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR: Very aggressive, negative behavior constantly repeated can signal a desperate need for attention and help.

Sometimes there are no obvious physical signs of sexual abuse, and a physician must examine the child to confirm the abuse.

Teens use alcohol and other drugs for many reasons. They may do it because they want to fit in socially, they like the way drugs or alcohol makes them feel, or they want to feel more grown up. Teens tend to be risk-takers, and they may take drugs or drink alcohol because it seems exciting. Teens who are at the biggest risk for developing serious alcohol or drug problems are those with family members who have problems with alcohol or other drugs.

Depending on the drug of abuse, some of the educational seminars and group sessions may vary, but essentially the drug treatment as offered centers around addiction recovery, regardless of the drug of use and abuse. Every patient entering into a ChooseHelp.com rehab will undergo a comprehensive pre assessment period, and addictions professionals will design a recovery plan tailored to the needs of the individual.

Alcoholism or alcohol dependence is a diagnosable disease characterized by several factors including a strong craving for alcohol, continued use despite harm or personal injury, the inability to limit drinking, physical illness when drinking stops, and the need to increase the amount drunk in order to feel the effects (4). Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships or ability to work.

Alcoholism, which is also known as "alcohol dependence syndrome," is a disease that is characterized by the following elements: Physical dependence: The occurrence of withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking. These symptoms are usually relieved by drinking alcohol or by taking another sedative drug.

Alcoholism, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction are synonymous. It is a diagnosable disease characterized by several factors including a strong craving for alcohol, continued use despite harm or personal injury, the inability to limit drinking, physical illness when drinking stops, and the need to increase the amount drunk in order to feel the effects.1 Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one's health, interpersonal relationships or ability to work.

bull;Mood swings. Someone who abuses alcohol may have an explosive temper or become unusually aggressive. bull;Drinking as a crutch. If someone is drinking more frequently in order to relax, to escape problems, or to feel "normal," these may be signs of alcohol abuse. bull;Lack of control. Alcohol abusers will keep drinking until they become very drunk. Often, drinking bouts result in temporary blackouts and an inability to remember events that happened while drinking.

Although it's considered largely a psychological problem, alcohol abuse is more common among children of problem drinkers, which suggests that there may be a genetic predisposition to abuse alcohol. Environmental factors, such as growing up in a household of heavy drinkers, may also dispose someone to alcohol abuse. In addition, your personality and life experiences play a large role in predicting whether you abuse alcohol or not.

No. As a matter of fact, the opposite is true. Without treatment, kids usually self-medicate themselves with alcohol or marijuana.

It is important to understand that there are no quick fixes when it comes to teen drug addiction. The average length of stay in residential treatment is thirty days. During the course of treatment program participants, families and treatment providers working together, may determine that a longer stay is required. Prior to admission however, there is no way to determine if longer term treatment is warranted.

While one sign does not necessarily indicate abuse, some tell-tale signs that there could be a problem are: Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns may be an indication of physical abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression may be indicators of emotional abuse. Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect.