MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS EDUCATE PUBLIC ABOUT ALCOHOLISM
WARNING SIGNS AND TREATMENT DURING ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH

In an effort to curb alcohol abuse, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) reminds Californians that alcohol abuse can severely affect mental, physical, and emotional health. According to a 2003 survey conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an estimated 119 million people in the United States reported being current drinkers of alcohol.

More than one-half of American adults have a close family member who abuses alcohol. While a few are able to quit on their own, most individuals who suffer from alcoholism need the assistance of a friend, family member, or licensed mental health professional, such as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

Warning signs of alcohol abuse include the following:

- Drinking when you're angry or sad

- Tardiness at work or school due to drinking

- Worry among family members about your drinking habits

- Drinking after promising yourself you would quit

- Forgetting what you did while drinking

- Headaches while drinking or hangovers afterwards

- Alcohol cravings

- Loss of control

- Inability to limit quantity of drinks

- Physical dependence on alcohol, as exhibited by withdrawal symptoms

If someone you know is suffering from alcoholism, the following steps can help lead to recovery:

Admitting an alcohol problem: Admitting alcohol abuse is the first step to obtaining treatment.

Engaging the support of a family member or friend to assist you as you quit: Studies show that individuals who have the support of a friend or family member are more likely to recover successfully than those who try to quit on their own.

Joining a local support group to track your recovery: You can find listings for support groups in a telephone book and more information on the Internet. Your doctor or local hospital also can refer you to such a group.

Seeking the help of a licensed professional: Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals who suffer from alcohol abuse. Insurance plans in California often cover these services.

Resources:
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
http://www.counselingcalifornia.com
Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
www.ncadd.org

About CAMFT
The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, with 27 chapters throughout the state, is an independent professional organization, representing the interests of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. CAMFT provides CounselingCalifornia.com as a resource to the public looking for Marriage and Family Therapists located in California. For more information about CAMFT, please call (858) 292-2638 or visit www.camft.org.

Media Contact: Amber Albrecht
Porter Novelli
Phone: (619) 687-7015 or (949) 500-2535
E-mail: amber.albrecht@porternovelli.com