Alcoholism Myths and Realities

Book excerpt: More than 100 widespread myths about drug and alcohol abuse are enumerated and then dispelled in this book about the reality of addiction. Questions such as Does proper parenting and involvement prevent alcoholism? and Do alcoholics lack willpower? are addressed, and a myriad of addiction-related falsities that the general public and even medical professionals have considered true are identified and refuted. Specific attention is paid to defining and understanding alcohol addiction, including guidelines on identifying symptoms of alcoholism in social settings and detailed information on the biological difference between the disease in its early and late stages.