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	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Abuse of alcohol is a major cause of preventable deaths, and it is estimated that as many as 1 in 6 adults in the United States may have a problem with drinking. Excessive alcohol intake strains personal relationships and
may affect one's ability to hold a job. In addition, excessive alcohol intake may result in serious health problems, including damage to the liver and brain. The April 6, 2005, issue of JAMA includes a report of a clinical trial of a medication that may benefit some patients with alcoholism.

Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that is accompanied by 1 or more of the following problems: (1) failure to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities because of drinking; (2) drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, such as while driving a car or operating machinery; (3) recurring alcohol-related legal problems, such as being arrested for driving under the . . . [Full Text of this Article]

POSSIBLE TREATMENTS

Sarah Ringold, MD, Writer; Tiffany J. Glass, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor

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