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TOPIC: Hope & Help for AlcOholism: The first step is getting screened - Dr. Drew Pinsky Discusses Alcohol Awareness and Offers Help

GUEST: Dr. Drew Pinsky: Known to millions as a radio host, TV personality and author, Dr. Drew Pinsky is a respected medical doctor and board-certified addiction specialist whose experience with addicts spans over 20 years.  He is currently the Medical Director for the Department of Chemical Dependency Services at Las Encinas Hospital, a world-renowned psychiatric facility in Pasadena, CA known for treating celebrity patients. Dr. Pinsky is also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry for the Keck USC School of Medicine.

For most people, alcohol is a pleasant part of social activities; however for many Americans, a drink or two at dinner or a party is not enough. Approximately 16 million Americans drink heavily and nearly 19 million Americans, or 8% of the U.S. population, need treatment for an “alcohol problem.” According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human services, alcohol dependence and abuse costs the United States $185 billion dollars in direct and indirect social costs per year, with more than 70% of the cost attributed to lost productivity. While alcoholism is considered a disease with no known cure, there is help for those with alcoholism as well as for friends and family members living with people with the disease. 

Addiction expert Dr. Drew Pinsky has been helping people overcome addiction for more than 20 years through his radio and television programs, in addition to his private practice. Dr. Pinsky is available to discuss alcoholism and how to recognize its symptoms. He will also talk about a national alcohol-awareness program available to viewers everywhere.

MORE ALCOHOL FACTS:

·         According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, alcohol dependence accounts for approximately 100,000 deaths each year.

·         One in four children lives with a parent who is dependent on, or abuses, alcohol. (Source: DSM-IV)

·         Chronic heavy drinking is a leading cause of cardiovascular illnesses such as cardiomyophathy, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. (Source:  U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, June 2000)

·         Drinking four alcoholic beverages or more a day significantly increases the risk of developing ANY type of cancer. (Source:  Alcohol Research and Help, 2001)

Dr. Drew discusses:

·         The symptoms of alcohol dependence.

·         The differences between alcoholism and alcohol abuse.

·         Coping mechanisms for friends and loved ones living with people with alcoholism.

·         The impact of alcohol dependence on America.

·         Recommended treatment approaches for alcohol dependence.

·         Where viewers can go to find out more about National Alcohol Screening Day and where they can find a screening location near them.

TO REQUEST A HARD COPY INTERVIEW WITH DR. DREW PINSKY, CONTACT: RANDI APPELBAUM AT 212-727-1802 OR AT RANDIA@DMSWIRE.COM

This tour is sponsored by both the Screening for Mental Health Organization and Forest Labs.