Approximately 14.4 million people in the United States struggle with alcohol abuse, and only 7.9 percent receive treatment. 

If you're someone who has worked hard to overcome addiction, then you know how challenging recovering in isolation can be. 

Approximately 14.4 million people in the United States struggle with alcohol abuse, and only 7.9 percent receive treatment. 

If you're someone who has worked hard to overcome addiction, then you know how challenging recovering in isolation can be. 

Everyone has an addiction to something. That addiction may be videogames, collecting food, or alcohol.

When you crave something, it is hard to quit. Still, when you want it bad enough, you somehow do it.

At some point, most people in recovery will face the challenge of staying sober at a party.

If you're early on in your process, it's best to avoid parties completely. After all, sobriety is hard enough as it is without being surrounded by alcohol. If you've been sober for a few years, though, you should be more comfortable with parties.

The coronavirus crisis has hit everyone hard, but for those struggling with alcoholism, this pandemic has brought on unique challenges.  Social distancing means that the lifeblood of the Alcoholics Anonymous program has been fundamentally changed. 

As daily life has changed recently, we've all been forced to think about the role of human interactions in our lives. For many recovering alcoholics, the fellowship they find at in-person meetings plays a crucial in their continued sobriety.  

Over 14.4 million adults suffer from alcohol use disorder each year. But they aren't the only ones who are suffering.

Family members and friends of those who have alcoholism also experience pain and suffering. There's Alcoholics Anonymous for alcoholics, but what is there for loved ones?

There's Al-Anon.

The 12-step program has been around for almost 100 years. In fact, the first AA meeting took place in 1935, three years before Alcoholics Anonymous became the official name of the organization. AA was publicly founded in 1938 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, two men who struggled with alcoholism themselves.

Keep reading for a breakdown of what to expect at your first AA meeting.

One of the hardest parts about getting sober is losing out on the social aspects of drinking. But more and more people are figuring out how to go to the bar without getting drunk.

That's in part thanks to sober bars. When you go to a sober bar, you're getting the same environment minus all the alcohol. You're drinking mocktails instead of cocktails. 

Things are going great on your date. The chemistry is there, you're laughing, you have plenty in common. Then they drop the bomb: they are an alcoholic who's gotten sober. 

Is this a dealbreaker? Maybe, maybe not. Dating a recovering alcoholic can present some problems, but it's not an insurmountable hurdle. 

One in eight American adults, or 12.7% of our country's population, have an alcohol use disorder. Alcoholism doesn't only affect the person holding the bottle, though. If you're living with an alcoholic, chances are, you've felt the strain yourself. 

Loving an alcoholic isn't always easy. While they can benefit from your support, your health and happiness matter too.

Find the balance with these five tips on how to live with an alcoholic. These tips can make your life a little easier.

There's no doubt about it- getting sober is hard work. For many people, it improves relationships, health and it can put you back on track with your career. There are so many positives to getting sober that the negatives aren't often talked about. 

If you think you need to give up alcohol, or you're currently taking part in a sobriety program, here are some of the things that you may not know.

If you have made the powerful and life-changing decision to quit drinking, then congratulations are in order. These first few days sober will be the beginning of a happier, healthier, and longer life.

However, the first few days can also be the most challenging for any struggling alcoholic. Immediately after you stop drinking is when your body will feel the most severe symptoms and withdrawal effects.

The decision to get sober is a defining moment in an addict's life. But staying sober isn't easy. No matter how far into recovery someone is, they face temptation and their demons every day of their lives.

Anything that can help ease this process is a welcome addition during that journey. Keep reading to learn why Alcoholics Anonymous medallions help addicts stay clean and sober.

Alcoholics Anonymous began in 1939. Today, there are over 2 million successfully recovering members of Alcoholics Anonymous in more than 180 countries.

You might have heard of the 12 steps of AA, but have you heard about AA tokens?

Read on to learn what these are, how they are earned and their significance

Alcohol and Mental Health: 4 Co-Occurring Disorders You May Encounter

4 Co-Occurring Disorders You May Encounter

Dealing with alcoholism is already tough as it is, but it becomes a whole different game when co-occurring disorders become involved. Here are 4 co-occurring disorders you or a loved one may encounter on their road to recovery.

Alcohol addiction often accompanies additional underlying mental and anxiety disorders or co-occurring disorders.

A 1990 survey reported 53% of people with substance addiction had a co-occurring disorder.

It's not uncommon to seek treatment for alcohol and mental health simultaneously.

However, co-occurring disorders often go undiagnosed and so can be difficult to manage.

Alcohol and mental health affect each other, as many people with undiagnosed disorders self-medicate with alcohol and other substances to manage their symptoms.

Here's how to tell if you or a loved one has a co-occurring disorder and how to get help.

No matter how far along you are on your path to recovery, it's vital to set aside time to focus on yourself and reclaiming your self-esteem.

Addiction can strip us of our sense of self-worth. When we feel bad about ourselves seeking outside help and trying to better our lives may not feel like a battle worth fighting.

It is for this reason that rebuilding your self-esteem is a vital part of the recovery process.

Unsure of how to take back your sense of self-confidence and respect?

Here are eight tips to help you begin rebuilding self esteem as you continue working toward your recovery from addiction.