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 happen when you stop drinking alcohol after a period of heavy drinking
* tolerance: drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to "get high"

American Indians and Alaska Natives are five times more likely to die of alcohol-related causes than Whites and face high rates of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. In addition, American Indians and Alaska Natives have a high rate of drinking and driving and alcohol-related fatal crashes compared to the general population.

Prevent problems related to alcohol. 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

Publications

1. Alcohol Alert #10: Alcohol and Women - This publication discusses the general research that has been done on the effects of alcohol on women.

2. Alcohol Alert #55 - Alcohol and Minorities: An Update - This fact sheet discusses ethnic disparities in drinking patterns. It reviews the social and biological factors that may contribute to these differences, and explains how prevention and treatment efforts have been modified to be more culturally relevant.

3. American Indian and Alaska Native Women's Health - This site provides information to Indian Health Service providers and consumers about American Indian and Alaska Native women's health. It discusses access to care, violence against Native women, cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues.

4. Ask NOAH About: Substance Dependence Fact Sheet - This fact sheet provides a thorough definition of substance dependence, the symptoms and causes, as well as treatment options.

5. Frequently Asked Questions - Alcohol Abuse and Treatment - This fact sheet contains information on how alcohol affects women and the types of problems that can arise. It also discusses ways for women to get help.

6. Health and Heritage: Alcoholism and Substance Abuse - This publication provides a summary of Indian Health Services' (IHS) actions to reduce alcohol abuse within the American Indian/Alaskan native community. Included in this publication are charts and graphs which illustrate the need to promote healthy lifestyles and community development in this population. In addition, there are resources for more information.

7. NIDA InfoFacts - Treatment Methods for Women - This publication discusses drug abuse and women. It also contains information on why drug abuse among women may present different challenges and treatment methods.

8. Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator - This Internet site can help you locate a substance abuse treatment facility in your area.

Organizations

1. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), SAMHSA, OPHS, HHS

2. Indian Health Services

3. National Clearinghouse on Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI), SAMSHA, HHS

4. National Indian Women's Health Resource Center (NIWHRC)

5. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, HHS