Alcoholism and Illicit Drug Use

According to the National Institutes of Health, alcoholism is a disease with these symptoms:

• craving: a strong need to drink
• loss of control: can't limit one's drinking
• physical dependence: withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety that happens when you stop drinking alcohol after a period of heavy drinking
• tolerance: drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to "get high"

Illicit drugs are illegal drugs, like heroin, marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, PCP, and LSD. Subgroups of Hispanic Americans/Latinos vary in their rates of substance abuse, alcohol dependence, and need for illicit drug abuse treatment. But overall, compared to the total U.S. population, Mexicans and Puerto Ricans have high rates of illicit drug use, heavy alcohol use, alcohol dependence, and need for drug abuse treatment.

Prevent problems related to alcohol and drugs. If you have a problem with drinking or use drugs, get help to stop! Your health care provider can help you. If you drink, the National Institutes of Health advises a safe level of drinking: for most adults, moderate alcohol use--up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and older people. However, some people should NOT drink at all:

• women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• people who plan to drive or engage in other activities that require alertness and skill (such as using high-speed machinery)
• people taking certain over-the-counter or prescription medications
• people with medical conditions that can be made worse by drinking
• recovering alcoholics
• people younger than age 21