abstinence: Choosing to live without the use of a particular substance, such as alcohol; also used in reference to sexual activity.

addiction: A compulsive, uncontrolled use of a substance in spite of negative consequences.

Al-Anon: A support group for loved ones of alcoholics and addicts that involves a 12-step plan for personal recovery.

Alcoholics Anonymous: A self-help program for alcoholics that provides supportive meetings and a 12-step plan for recovery.

alcoholism: Addiction to alcohol, in which the alcoholic's use of alcohol is out of control.

anxiety: A feeling of worry or nervousness; an emotional disorder in which this feeling is excessive.

binge drinking: Drinking five or more drinks on a single occasion.

blackout: Often a sign of alcoholism, the drinker cannot remember what occurred while drinking.

blood alcohol content: The percentage of alcohol in a person's blood.

central nervous system: The parts of the body involving the function...