• Alcoholism is an illness, not a moral weakness. Blaming yourself, blaming others, or feeling ashamed about your drinking are all stumbling blocks to receiving help.
• You are not alone. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates 14 million Americans -- one of every 13 adults -- either abuse alcohol or are alcoholics. Each year about 600,000 patients enter treatment for alcoholism.
   
• Don't push away the messengers. People who worry or complain about your drinking can be a key to your recovery. They care enough about you to be concerned. If you are an alcoholic, you'll need their support.

• The earlier the treatment, the more successful it is likely to be. Don't wait until the health effects are irreversible, you have lost your job, or your marriage has suffered to the point of breaking up.

• Heavy drinking has serious health consequences.  It increases the risk of cancer and causes liver damage, immune system problems, brain damage and harm to the fetus during pregnancy. It also increases the risk of accidents and mental problems.6

5. This section is based on the Mayo Clinic Internet site, www.mayo.ivi.com and comments by Dr. Robert M. Morse, a Mayo Clinic psychiatrist who specializes in diagnosis and treatment of alcoholism.
6. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (1993). Eighth Special Report to the U.S. Congress on Alcohol and Health. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Section III: Consequences of Alcoholism, Alcohol Use and Abuse.