As the holiday season winds down and we come off of the month-long sugar high, those dealing with alcohol and drug abuse tendencies may be struggling. The period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s is a time when most drug addicts and alcoholics try to ignore their condition to participate in the camaraderie and festivities of family gatherings, company parties and other social activities. This behavior typically results in increased drug and alcohol abuse—especially among those who are already addicts. “We do typically see an increase in inquiries to Mercy First Step via our Help Center after the holidays,” said Teri Fredregill, RN-BC, CARN, director of Outpatient Services, Mercy Behavioral Health. “Clients are usually around family members more during the holidays and extended family members can witness abuse-related habits first-hand. Add the potential for negative family memories and we have more adults seeking treatment.” Most drug addictions start with casual or social use of a drug or alcohol. For some people, using the drug or consuming alcohol becomes a habit and its use becomes more and more frequent. Drug and alcohol abuse isn’t something that is limited to adults – more and more teens are becoming abusers. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish normal teenage moodiness or angst from signs of drug use. Mercy First Step – located on the Mercy Franklin Campus in Des Moines – offers an array of treatment options for adults, including unique programs for professionals and adolescents suffering from alcohol and substance abuse problems. Mercy First Step does not require a physician’s referral for treatment. More than one-half of American adults have direct family experience with alcohol problems, which cost Americans more than 100,000 lives and approximately $185 billion each year. Test your knowledge— do you know the difference between alcoholism and alcohol abuse? What is the difference between alcoholism and alcohol abuse? Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking which results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships or ability to work. Patterns of alcohol abuse include the following: • Failure to fulfill major responsibilities at work, school or home. • Drinking in dangerous situations, such as drinking while driving or operating machinery. • Legal problems related to alcohol, such as being arrested for drinking while driving or for physically hurting someone while drunk. • Continued drinking despite ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by drinking. • Long-term alcohol abuse can turn into alcohol dependence. Dependency on alcohol, also known as alcohol addiction and alcoholism, is a chronic disease. The signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence include— • A strong craving for alcohol. • Continued use despite repeated physical, psychological or interpersonal problems. • The inability to limit drinking. Adapted from www.cdc.gov