Alcohol consumption has some benefits: helps us relax and generally makes us have a good time. But not everyone has the same relationship with alcohol. There are some people who are more affected by alcohol consumption than others, either because of genetic predispositions, the environment they grew up in or behaviors they observed. Although for some, the two or three drinks on a Friday is no more than an escape without much consequence, for others it can be a sentence to constant suffering.

March 20th, 2007 is a unique day in my career.  That day I published my first lay science article in El Nuevo Día, Puerto Rico’s largest newspaper, entitled "Domestic birds a target for the bird flu”.  Three weeks later, on April 2nd, my third article was published. This one, entitled "Pluto goes to the psychologist," is special because it was the first of many in which I used science fiction and humor to educate about science concepts, in this case why Pluto was demoted from being a planet.

Ciencia Puerto Rico exists and is a vibrant community thanks to the commitment, passion, and work of dozens of volunteers.  There are many who throughout the years have given their time, ideas and knowledge to make our organization what it is today.

To celebrate this, our tenth anniversary, we will be sharing stories of CienciaPR Team members. These anecdotes will highlight stories not only how our volunteers have played a leading role in the achievements of the organization, but also how they are an example that one can work for a better Puerto Rico, no matter where one lives.  

Today, April 7th, is Alcohol Screening Day. "Ugh!  Don’t sign me up for that one!  Alcoholism. What an ugly word!"  Yes, it is.  But the reality of life as an alcoholic or having a friend or family member suffering from this health condition is even uglier.  

Why does alcohol cause so much trouble and why is taboo to talk about alcoholism? After all, alcohol is a legal product and in Puerto Rico consumption often is glorified.