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We hear a lot about crack addiction in the black community, but our addiction to alcohol is far more widespread and equally dangerous. Here are some facts that should alarm you:

Surprising, yes? These sad statistics show the need for an attitude adjustment in our community with regard to alcohol use. Alcohol is sold legally, but it's still a powerful, dangerous, addictive drug that's as lethal as crack cocaine.

Alcoholism can develop as a stealth addiction. While you may think you only drink to socialize or relax your body's need for alcohol may feel as strong as the need for food or water! Physically, if you crave alcohol or have a strong, continuous need to drink; if you can't stop drinking once you've begun; if you feel nauseous, shaky or anxious after you've drunk a lot and then stopped, or if you need increasingly larger amounts of alcohol to feel "a buzz," - check yourself - you are an alcoholic!

Psychologically, if you secretly feel you should cut down on drinking but can't; if you feel bad or guilty about your drinking or the amount of time or money you spend on it; if people annoy you when they criticize your drinking, or if you feel you must have a drink to start your day or recover from last night's hangover, - check yourself - you are an alcoholic!

Your addiction to alcohol doesn't mean you're a weak or bad person. It means you have a disease in which both environment and heredity may have played a major role.

It's nobody's secret that alcohol manufacturers and advertisers are targeting African Americans, especially the youth market. Statistics from 2002 show:

African American youth saw 77% more liquor advertising than other groups in magazines geared to them;

On radio, they heard 12% more beer advertising and 56% more for distilled spirits;

On television, liquor advertisers spent 12 million dollars on ads targeting young blacks on channels like BET and others

Malt liquor packaged in large containers and so-called "low alcohol refreshers" are marketed almost exclusively in minority communities. But don't be fooled by the flossy ads or imaginary status associated with these "black market only" drinks. They are dangerous for your health as they can lead to alcoholism and an early death.

If you have a hereditary disposition toward alcoholism, you start out drinking at a disadvantage. Be extra careful about your alcohol intake and drinking habits. If you drink "for good health" as recent news reports suggest you can with red wine, don't swallow just yet. The protective health benefits of drinking alcohol have as much to do with quantity as they do with quality. Blacks tend to drink less often than other ethnic groups, but we tend to consume more at each drinking session and in so doing, wipe out any health benefits that might be associated with fine wines.

If you can't stop drinking, seek help. Alcoholics Anonymous has aided millions in controlling their addiction. Meetings are held in every community.