The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), National Institutes of Health, supports about 90 percent of the Nation's research on alcohol use and related consequences. Through this research, NIAAA and the researchers it supports make an implicit promise--that alcohol research will yield practical applications that will help those who suffer as a result of alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Today, alcohol researchers are working on the cutting edge of medical science to answer questions such as:

• Who is at risk for alcohol-related problems?
• How does alcohol affect the body, including the brain?
• How is the risk for alcoholism inherited?
• What are the health benefits and risks of moderate drinking?
• What therapies, including medications, show promise for treating alcohol dependence more effectively?

Each new discovery made by alcohol researchers provides a piece of the answer to the ages old question of how to prevent and treat the alcohol-related troubles that plague individuals, families, and society. We see the future of alcohol research both as a challenge and as a reward: A challenge, because with more answers come more questions, and we still have far to go. A reward, because the answers we find ultimately will help diminish a public health threat that has existed for far too long.

If you or someone you know needs help or more information, contact:

• Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters
  1600 Corporate Landing Parkway
  Virginia Beach, VA 23454-5617
  

Makes referrals to local Al-Anon groups, which are support groups for spouses and other significant adults in an alcoholic person's life. Also makes referrals to Alateen groups, which offer support to children of alcoholics.

• Locations of Al-Anon or Alateen meetings worldwide can be obtained by calling 1-888-4AL-ANON Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (e.s.t.).
• Free informational materials can be obtained by calling the toll-free numbers (operating 7 days per week, 24 hours per day):
• U.S.: (800) 356-9996
• Canada: (800) 714-7498
  
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) World Services
  475 Riverside Drive, 11th Floor
  New York, NY 10115
  (212) 870-3400
  Internet address: http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Makes referrals to local AA groups and provides informational materials on the AA program. Many cities and towns also have a local AA office listed in the telephone book.

• National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD)
  12 West 21st Street
  New York, NY 10010
  (800) NCA-CALL
  

Provides telephone numbers of local NCADD affiliates (who can provide information on local treatment resources) and educational materials on alcoholism via the above toll-free number.

• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
  Scientific Communications Branch
  6000 Executive Boulevard, Suite 409
  Bethesda, MD 20892-7003
  (301) 443-3860
  Internet address:

Makes available free publications on all aspects of alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Many are available in Spanish.  Call, write, or search the World Wide Web site for a list of publications and ordering information.

What Is a Drink
Drinking and Driving
Interactions With Medications
Interpersonal Problems
Long-Term Health Problems


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Sources:
NIH