Researchers believe they have uncovered a new approach to the treatment of alcoholism. The optimism stems from the discovery that the brain circuit that underlies feelings of stress and anxiety is also a key contributor for stress-related drinking. The finding offers promise for treatment of alcoholism as new medications can block the involved brain receptors.

Often, a person with depression will also have alcoholism, and vice versa. In fact, 30 percent to 50 percent of people with alcoholism, at any given time, also are suffering from major depression. Family history of depression or alcoholism puts a person at greater risk for developing either illness.

Drinking on dates can quickly become a habit, but the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism warns that even moderate alcohol consumption, under certain circumstances, can have serious consequences.

There are few things in life that are more difficult to cope with than a loved one who is dealing with a serious alcohol issue or alcoholism. Here are a few tips to help you cope with someone who has an addiction to alcohol.

More than 28 million Americans have seen at least one parent suffer alcohol’s serious adverse effects, leading to serious family problems. More than 78 million Americans, or 43 percent of the adult population, has been exposed to alcoholism in the family.

For many people, drinking alcohol is nothing more than a pleasant way to relax. However, people with alcohol use disorders drink to excess, endangering both themselves and others. This question-and-answer fact sheet explains alcohol problems and how psychologists can help people recover.

You can and you must find answers to your own problem, which often centers on how you can best live your own life in a healthier way and manage not to react continually to the dysfunctional behavior of your loved one.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving. Its goal is to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind people’s difficulties.

As you recover from alcoholism or other drug abuse, you may find that you have trouble remembering skills that you learned while addicted. These difficulties may be results of state dependent learning;, that is, when sober, you may not be able to recall what you learned under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Drug and alcohol withdrawal can be a painful process. Several neural and hormonal systems are affected by substance abuse, and when it ends they are thrown into confusion.