Alcohol use

Drinking can be dangerous

About half of Americans enjoy a drink every now and again – but for 28% of the country, drinking causes problems in one or more ways: fights with family members, missing work and legal problems, among others. Our Student and Family Assistance Program can help with recognizing, treating and preventing problems with alcohol use.

Explore the resources below, or call us at 800-236-3231 for a free, confidential consultation with an SFAP counselor.

Manage your drinking

The first (and easiest) step in treating problematic drinking is prevention, and education is your most effective tool. Learn about how alcohol affects your health, what warning signs to look out for, and how to maintain moderation.

  • Rethinking Drinking: Alcohol and Your Health [PDF]
    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    What’s the difference between “low-risk” and “at-risk” drinking? When does drinking become a problem, and how do you know if yours is problematic? Learn to assess your drinking patterns and set small, achievable goals toward healthier drinking habits.
  • Tips for Cutting Down on Drinking [PDF]
    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    Learn how to understand serving sizes and alcohol content, and get quick tips for coping with urges, setting limits, and reducing your chances of having alcohol-related problems.
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Don’t give up! Research shows that most heavy drinkers, even those with alcoholism, either cut back significantly or quit.

Rethinking Drinking

Talk to your teen

Parents can have a major impact on their children’s drinking, especially during the preteen and early teen years. With the right information and communication strategies, you can create an open dialogue with your teenager – and help them avoid future problems with alcohol.

  • Teens and Alcohol: A Guide for Parents [PDF]
    Adapted from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, & National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
    Find practical tips for better understanding your teen’s world, talking to him or her about drinking, and offering your support in dealing with peer pressure.
  • Make a Difference: Talk to Your Child About Alcohol [PDF]
    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    Did you know that kids who drink are more likely to be victims of violent crime, have serious problems in school, and be involved in drinking-related traffic accidents? This comprehensive guide lays out the facts, with honest, action-oriented guidance for proactive parents.
  • The National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens features science-driven videos, games, and articles for teens, and kidshealth.org offers more information about how drugs and alcohol affect your teen’s body and life.

Additional resources

Find more education, treatment, and support from these trusted organizations.

Support for loved ones

Addiction hurts more than just the addict, and dealing with an alcoholic friend or family member can be overwhelming and painful. These organizations focus on supporting you.

  • Al-Anon (www.al-anon.org) offers free, open support group meetings nationwide to help friends and family members of alcoholics with their own recovery.
  • Families Anonymous (www.familiesanonymous.org) provides a 12-step fellowship for the family and friends of individuals with drug, alcohol, or related behavioral issues.
  • SMART Recovery (www.smartrecovery.org) is a support group alternative to those based on the 12 steps of recovery, with most support groups currently hosted online.
  • Love First (www.lovefirst.net) helps families of addicts with general education and assistance with interventions, as well as a more intensive Structured Family Recovery program.
  • The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation (www.hazeldenbettyford.org) offers a Family Program of seminars and workshops for educating and supporting families faced with alcohol and drug addiction, as well as Family Connection Coaching over the phone.
  • NAMI Family-to-Family Program (www.nami.org) is a free, 12-session educational program for families, significant others, and friends of people living with mental illness, offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.