Alcohol use and abuse

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, is a disease that includes the following four symptoms: craving--a strong need, or urge, to drink; loss of control--not being able to stop drinking once drinking has begun; physical dependence--withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety after stopping drinking; and tolerance--the need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to get "high." For clinical and research purposes, formal diagnostic criteria for alcoholism have been developed. Like many other diseases, alcoholism is chronic, meaning that it lasts a person's lifetime; it usually follows a predictable course; and it has symptoms. The risk for developing alcoholism is influenced both by a person's genes and by his or her lifestyle.

Services and Programs

Family Outreach Center and Disability Services
Disability-specific programs associated with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and other organizations at Vanderbilt provide a broad range of treatment, research, technical assistance, education, and outreach services.
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder - An internet community and statewide helpline
Phone, web, and print resources in English and Spanish to connect the Tennessee disability community with service providers. Referral services, free of cost, are provided to persons with disabilities, family members, service providers, and advocates.

Back to Index

Links and Resources

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
Prevention Online
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) provides education, information, help, and hope to the public. It advocates prevention, intervention, and treatment through a nationwide network of affiliates.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
(Prevention Online)--National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information

Back to Index