• Alcohol/drug dependence is a progressive, chronic and potentially fatal disease.
• Alcohol/drug dependence most often has a genetic component; it runs in families.
• Alcohol/drug dependent persons crave the substance and continue to use despite harmful effects.
• Alcohol/drug dependent persons have progressively lower ability to choose not to use.

What are some signs of alcohol/drug dependence?

• High tolerance to the substance
• Unplanned use
• Loss of control of use
• Blackouts, that is, the inability to remember events which occurred while using
• Using while alone
• Using against direct medical advice
• Hiding substances for later use
• Lying to others about use
• Preoccupation with use, avoiding social situations where use is not possible
  

If you or a loved one is having difficulty with alcohol or drug use, know that help is available through therapy or a twelve step program like Alcoholics Anonymous.