This online discussion will highlight what individuals and communities can do to raise awareness about alcoholism and suggest activities to support the April observance of Alcohol Awareness Month. The Web Chat will explore this year's Alcohol Awareness Month theme: Recovery-It's a Family Affair and Everyone's Invited.

Stacia Murphy is the president of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), the oldest advocacy organization of its kind addressing America's most widely-abused drug, alcohol, alone or in combination with other drugs. Founded in 1944 by Marty Mann, it has a network of 94 Affiliates in 28 States. Prior to her appointment in 1999, she was the executive director of NCADD's New York Affiliate, the Alcoholism Council of New York, for 15 years. She provided direction and oversight to the work of the Council that included advocacy, intervention, prevention, and policy issues related to alcohol and other drugs. Her other work experience includes management training and program development in the criminal justice system, private industry and academia. She has worked extensively in the United States and abroad in programs and systems related to youth, adolescent and community development, community organizing, and public policy. She taught management and organizational development at The New School University for 19 years.

MODERATOR: Welcome to the Recovery Month 2002 Web chat. Our host today is Stacia Murphy, president of National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD). Our topic today is Alcohol Awareness Month: Recovery-It's a Family Affair and Everyone's Invited. This online discussion will highlight what individuals and communities can do to raise awareness about alcoholism and suggest activities to support the April observance of Alcohol Awareness Month.

MODERATOR: Please note that the views and opinions expressed by non-CSAT staff members in the Web chats and Webcasts should not be interpreted as official CSAT policy, but, as the views and opinions of the individuals participating in these events.

MODERATOR: Now we are ready for the first question. This question was sent earlier: Is it true that the alcohol addict is predestined by genetics to become an addict if he ever takes his first drink? If so, why?

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: That is a scientific question; we will give some brief information and then refer the person to the NIAAA. It is true studies indicate that 40-60 percent of alcoholism vulnerability has a genetic basis. What scientists are attempting to do today is to find the site in the brain where the gene for alcoholism is located. We don't know why, and the research is continuing.

MODERATOR: The Web address for NIAAA is: http://www.niaaa.nih.gov.

MODERATOR: What do you think of forced rehab?

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: I am not sure I agree with the notion of forced rehab. I can think of an example we may give. For instance, if an employer has an employee who is continuing to experience problems in his/her productivity, and alcohol use is expected, then that employer has a responsibility to have that employee see an Employee Assistance Professional. They can make an assessment, and if appropriate, that person should be referred to treatment. Forced rehab is a healthy response to the progression of addiction.

MODERATOR: Please note that the views and opinions expressed by non-CSAT staff members in the Web chats and Webcasts should not be interpreted as official CSAT policy, but, as the views and opinions of the individuals participating in these events.

MODERATOR: Our next question was sent earlier today by an anonymous visitor: I feel like I am going crazy my life is so bad. I am living with my son who is a drunk and angry all the time. I just moved here and feel like I have moved in with my ex-husband and am living their insanity. I am feeling like I am going crazy. I have no one to talk to about this.

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: You are absolutely correct, it is a family affair. You need to find a center where you can go and talk to a professional. They can give you advice on how you should begin to address this problem. This problem appears to be extremely serious for you. A list of resources can be found on www.samhsa.gov, and check out the treatment facility locator.

MODERATOR: To find a treatment facility, please visit: http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/facilitylocatordoc.htm.

Bam!: How can I tell if I drink too much?

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: On the NCADD Web site and on Join Together's Web site, there is a screening test. It is a list of questions that you can answer. This will give you an indication if you drink too much. Join Together's Web address is http://www.alcoholscreening.org and NCADD's is http://www.ncadd.org.

Rae: I'm a single mom with two young daughters. I work hard and when I come home, I like to have a glass of wine with dinner. I don't drink on the weekends. Do you think this is sending the wrong message to my daughters? Will they be more likely to end up with a drinking problem down the road?

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: We certainly can't predict what will happen with children. An appropriate way to address this is to discuss your drinking with your children and explain to them why you do it, and that it doesn't cause problems for you. However, you are in no way encouraging them to use alcohol. You may want to think about other ways to relax when you come home. That might give your children a different image relating to stress and relaxation.

MODERATOR: The next question was sent in earlier. How can we best support the development and broadcast of PSA's that target adults and clearly communicate the ways in which a parent's alcohol use is often modeled by their children? (i.e., drinking to have fun, drinking to relax, etc.)

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: There are any number of initiatives today that give advice for parents that address drinking with your kids. I think you may work in an organization where you have access to parents. That type of information can be distributed to them. You can even organize parent discussion groups. This could be a way to get parents to talk about the challenges they face in dealing with this issue with their children. There are a number of Web sites you can access: NIAAA, NCADD, and SAMHSA. This could give you some additional information and materials.

Chris_Reeder_02: Are the majority of crimes caused by alcohol? With crimes, I mean stealing, murder, etc.?

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: I don't think alcohol causes crime, but there is documented research that indicates the number of people who commit crimes while they are under the influence of alcohol. A significant number of those individuals do end up in jail. One other thing to remember is that alcohol impairs judgment. If there is any susceptibility at all, if a person may be in an environment where criminal activity is being discussed and drinking is occurring at the same time, then it may lead to criminal activity.

MODERATOR: For more information on alcohol and violence see: http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa38.htm.

Chris_Reeder_02: I have an uncle who is really bad to drink. My grandpa always tries to talk to my uncle about his drinking, however, it seems that the more my grandfather talks to my uncle, the more my uncle drinks. Can one be too persuasive to someone that has an alcohol problem?

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: It is not a matter of you being persuasive, it is the difficulty in talking with someone who is drinking. Some of the attitudes the person has while drinking, like belligerence and denial, are difficult. You should seek some advice from a professional who works with alcoholics to get some advice on how to deal with this. It might be a good opportunity for the family to get involved and get some assistance so that the dynamics of their interaction with a person who is drinking changes.

farra: My younger sister, age 19, is in her first year of college. She goes to a "party school" and is thinking about rushing a sorority. She used to never drink and now I know she drinks at least 3-4 drinks/night a few times a week. I worry that she is going to get worse before she gets better. What can I do?

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: I am inclined to agree with you. At the institution where your sister is, you need to find out what their policy is on alcohol, and find out if they have some kind of counseling service. This is such a major and current issue on college campuses.

MODERATOR: You can find college alcohol policies through this site: http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/policies/.

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: If you are not aware of it, you have an opportunity to get your sister's attention. You can help your sister. You are a great sister, keep it up! You must love her very much.

MODERATOR: Students may wish to visit: http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/CollegeStudents/.

MODERATOR: A question that was sent earlier: How do I reach parents of teens in treatment who are still using? This makes it a major challenge to tell a teen to stop marijuana use when the parents still smoke it and think it's ok.

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: If the teen is in treatment, then the program should address this issue with the parents. If a person is in treatment, the family is a very important part of the recovery process. If the treatment program does not have a structured education/counseling element for the family, then what are they trying to accomplish with the teen? This will not be as effective. It also is a disservice to the teenager as well.

mkishere: I am of legal drinking age. I do not drink often, nor do I drink much when I do drink. I like to have some wine with dinner or occasionally attend a happy hour. However, I come from a conservative family in which no one else drinks. My family is against alcohol, and thinks I have a drinking problem just because I drink. I'd say I drink 1-3 glasses per week. How do I convince my family that I am not addicted or abusing alcohol?

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: If you are not experiencing any problems when you have a drink, then it is not a problem. It appears that you can't convince your parents because of their belief system. What you simply need to continually reinforce is that for you, use does not cause any problems. So you are not uncomfortable in drinking when you do so on occasion.

MODERATOR: More info on moderate drinking (RE: earlier question) http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa16.htm.

MODERATOR: Please note that the views and opinions expressed by non-CSAT staff members in the web chats and webcasts should not be interpreted as official CSAT policy, but, as the views and opinions of the individuals participating in these events.

rvkatz: Can you explain the recovery process? Is there a general process that people go through?

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: The recovery process is developmental. It starts when the person stops drinking on a continuous basis. Then they find a support system that allows them to develop the tools necessary to stay sober. It's emotional, physical, and psychological. The absence of alcohol allows the person to grow in those three areas. They can grow at a pace that they are comfortable with. The key to the recovery process is total abstinence of alcohol.

CSWCASAC: What can be done to diminish, or eliminate, the negative perception many of the general public has towards those suffering from alcohol abuse and dependence?

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: One of the main things that can change negative perceptions is that those folks in recovery become more visible. Right now that group of people in recovery, many who have been in recovery for many years. These people are invisible. The public never hears or sees them. If they surfaced, it would dramatically change the image that is so often portrayed of alcoholics. Stigma is an advocacy issue. That advocacy movement has to grow and become stronger in order for stigma to be reduced. Those efforts will involve everyone. Not just the person in recovery, but anyone that person is associated with.

toddhaus: Is AA/NA religious?

MODERATOR: For your information, AA is an acronym for Alcoholics Anonymous and NA is an acronym for Narcotics Anonymous.

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: AA and NA are not religious programs. They are based on a set of spiritual principles that have nothing to do with religion. Some of those spiritual principles have been taken from a variety of religious concepts. It is not a religious program.

mkishere: I have friends who drink. I also have two friends in recovery. I feel awkward about social situations and inviting the two in recovery to events at which my other friends might want to drink. Is it my responsibility to discuss the situation with my drinking friends and ask them to not offer alcohol to those in recovery? Or should I not disclose the information and risk my friends in recovery feeling pressured?

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: People in recovery have a responsibility to protect the integrity of their own recovery. If you are concerned, you may want to let them know ahead of time that they might be exposed to an activity that includes drinking, and give the friend the option of attending or not. The person in recovery will make the decision based on their level of comfort.

Dennis: Is there a local affiliate to NCADD in New York City?

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: Yes there is. It is at 352 Park Avenue South, phone number is 212-252-7001.

Dennis: Can I get a listing of places to be screened for alcohol in New York City?

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: You can contact the affiliate (address above).

MODERATOR: Sent Earlier: I wondered why they [alcoholics] feel the need to be alone? It hurts to see the isolation, and feel the rejection especially when he is supposed to be my fiancé. Committing totally is a joke. I love him, he is a good man but I don't understand.

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: One of the symptoms of alcohol dependence is isolation. Alcohol use shuts down people emotionally, and detaches them from their feelings. You need to find a support system for yourself, so that some of your questions can be answered, and some advice and help given to you. You can get some help on how to deal with this person that you love so much. Alanon is a good place to start.

MODERATOR: Please see their Web site: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/.

Dennis: What is a good approach in dealing with this issue with senior citizens?

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: You need to talk to someone in a senior center or a counselor who understands the issues of alcoholism and aging.

MODERATOR: Recent research: http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/govstudy/shortreports/olderadults/ and http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/govstudy/shortreports/olderadultstreatment/.

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: If you contact NCADD, they have a brochure on this topic. Also, you can contact AARP at http://www.aarp.org/. They are doing a lot of work on this topic and they are a good resource.

Takoma Park: How long do you think it will be before the researchers find the gene for alcoholism and when they can actually start testing the general public for it? (The main reason that I don't drink is because my father and three of my four biological grandparents were either confirmed alcoholics or problem drinkers.)

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: We do not actually know how long it will take, but it is a high priority for researchers. If you contact NIAAA, you can get some more information on this topic.

MODERATOR: http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa18.htm.

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: The fact that you are sensitive to the issue, because of the history in your family, is a very healthy response to this problem.

MODERATOR: Sent earlier: Why should I go to support group meetings when my spouse is the one who has the problem?

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: The importance of going to support groups when your spouse has a problem is so that you can stay in touch with your reactions to that person, and how that person's use has affected you. A support group allows you to develop insight for yourself, as well as some insights in understanding the process the spouse is going through. If you have lived with an active alcoholic, you have been affected.

MODERATOR: It is now 3:51, the chat will end in 9 minutes.

Chris_Reeder_02: Do the stats seem to be decreasing or increasing among underage alcohol users? I am particularly talking about teens between the ages of 16-20.

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: Drinking among youth is a major problem in this country. The goal has to be to reduce drinking among young people. Alcohol is not a kid's drink. The unpredictability of the effects of alcohol on young people puts them in great harm.

MODERATOR: Research on underage binge drinking: http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k2/AlcBinge/AlcBinge.cfm.

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: We have to be vigilant about eliminating alcohol use among young people. Some studies say they are increasing, others say they are decreasing.

CSWCASAC: How big an obstacle is stigma in keeping people who need it from seeking treatment?

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: We believe that stigma is one of the primary reasons people do not seek treatment. But in addition to this, access and availability of treatment is limited because of stigma and attitudes by the insurance industry.

MODERATOR: For more info, see: http://www.mentalhealth.org/stigma/.

MODERATOR: Our chat is coming to a close and our speaker has some concluding remarks.

SPEAKER_Stacia Murphy: Alcohol is the number one drug problem in this country. It is an issue of public health, public safety, and quality of life. We must create the will among our citizens to work together to prevent the inappropriate use of alcohol and alcohol dependence. Thank you.

MODERATOR: Our hour has concluded. For more information, visit NCADD at http://www.ncadd.org, CSAT's Recovery Month Web site at http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/, and PREVLINE's Alcohol Awareness Month feature at http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/seasonal/aprilalcohol/.

MODERATOR: We would like to thank our host, Stacia Murphy from NCADD for her participation in this online event, and thank our participants for their questions. This transcript will be available shortly so that others may benefit from the dialogue. The chat has now officially ended.