Alcohol use and abuse are linked to homicide, suicide, violence, cancer, and accidental deaths, and alcohol is often a key factor in the deaths of young people. But beyond that, even those who don't drink can suffer if someone close to them abuses alcohol. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a person who consumes five or more drinks on at least five different occasions during a month is a heavy drinker. But it isn't necessary to drink heavily to experience some of the problems associated with alcohol abuse.

The Truth About Alcohol, Second Edition presents the facts and figures about alcohol consumption in a clear and balanced format. The A-to-Z entries in this revised resource detail the social, legal, and personal ramifications of alcohol abuse, while personal testimonies and question-and-answer sections provide readers with an inside look at the world of alcoholism.

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Smoking is responsible for about 1 in 5 deaths in America annually, or approximately 440,000 deaths each year. While smoking in the U.S. is decreasing, the number of smokers in many other countries continues to rise. Smoking causes more than 5 million deaths each year worldwide. A clear guide for teens on the facts and myths about smoking, The Truth About Smoking, Second Edition provides clear, balanced information on the long-term and short-term effects of this dangerous habit. Examining the social and personal issues that teenagers face such as peer pressure this guide offers sound advice without talking down to its audience. New and revised entries include: Addiction to nicotine Additives in cigarettes Cancer and smoking Cigarette additives Cosmetic effects of smoking Costs of smoking Health insurance and smoking Media and smoking Peer pressure and smoking Therapies for quitting Tobacco as a gateway product Tobacco products Tobacco use and socioeconomic groups The Truth campaign.