Did you know that about 10% of U.S. children have at least one parent dealing with alcohol addiction? Kicking the habit for your own good and health may have not been enough incentive for change — but what about for your family?

Alcohol is considered the number one drug problem in the U.S., and unfortunately its popularity and place in pop culture often makes it difficult for people to recognize they have a problem in the first place. Getting black out drunk numerous times a year can, for a while, seem ?normal? and just like someone is doing what all their friends are doing.

If you?ve decided to do something about your alcohol problem, here are a few things you can keep in mind.

Alcohol Detox Centers

Did you know that going off a drug cold turkey can have adverse health effects on your body? This doesn?t mean you shouldn?t try — rather, you want to try and kick the habit in a same environment, where certified professionals can help you through. A family practice center or detox center can help you through this. These centers can not only provide therapy that helps patients to continue their sobriety after leaving, but they can also provide prescription drugs that help to ease people off symptoms without getting hooked again as a way to beat the withdrawal.

Alcoholism Medications

Is there medicine you can take to keep away the allure of alcohol? While there is no one-size fits all solution, there are several FDA approved medications that can be used in addition to therapy or social interventions, such as the 12 step program that many people may be familiar with. These medications help to reduce the number of cravings former drinkers experience, and they can also help people cut back on heavy drinking days if they haven?t given up alcohol up completely but are instead trying to measurably reduce their consumption. Examples of medications would include Antabuse and Nalrexone. Each drug has a different potential effect on the body and on addiction; naltrexone, for example, helps to reduce the positive feedback loop of one drink leading to more drink by blocking endorphin receptors in the brain.

If you have an alcohol addiction, the time to seek treatment is now. Your body, your family, and your future self will thank you for this. Visit a family practice center to see what your options are for fighting cravings and moving forward.