Alcohol Drug Help
Alcohol is a drug that many people do not realize they are abusing. This page
will provide you with information on how to help yourself or someone you care
about who has a problem with alcohol. It is a known fact that the over consumption
of alcohol leads to numerous deaths every year. This problem can be remedied
with knowledgeable help.
Anyone can develop a problem with alcohol. There is no known single characteristic
shared by everyone who abuses alcohol. An alcoholic can be any age, profession,
ethnic group or social class.
Because alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, it decreases
one's judgment, control over impulses, and coordination. This makes drinkers
more likely to be involved in arguments, violence, and auto accidents. In fact,
alcohol is involved in half of all traffic deaths and one-third of traffic injuries,
suicides, and crimes. Roughly 200,000 deaths each year are related to alcohol
use. Long-term heavy drinking can also cause serious damage to the heart, liver
and brain.
If you or someone you care about has a problem with alcohol and needs help
here are some important tips to keep in mind:
- Don't Rescue the Addict
Friends and family members can attempt to protect an addict from the consequences
of his behavior by making excuses about his addiction or getting him out of
trouble. This behavior must stop! Once the addict experiences the effects
of his behavior, he may become more motivated to stop using drugs.
- Don't Become an Enabler
Family members should be careful not to reward the addict by paying his bills,
bailing him out of jail, letting him stay for free or ignoring his behavior.
- Be Honest
Tell the addict that you are concerned about his alcohol addiction and want
to be supportive for him while he gets help. Support your concern with examples
of the ways in which his alcohol use has caused problems for you, including
any recent incidents.
- State the Consequences
Tell the addict that until he gets help, you will leave him to the consequences
of his behavior and will no longer bail him out. Make it clear that you are
not trying to punish the addict, but protect yourself from the harmful effects
of his addiction.
- Be Prepared
If the addict is ready get help, don't wait. Once he's agrees to get help,
work immediately to find the treatment approach that is right for the individual.
- Don't Give Up
If the addict refuses help, don't give up. Be supportive and don't enable
or allow his behavior. Listen whenever you can and be ready to help the addict
into treatment when he is ready.
- Find a treatment approach
The importance of locating a qualified treatment facility is important to
the addicts recovery. There are numerous types of treatment programs available,
find one that is right for the individual.
It is important that the individual receives help early on in their abuse.
Treatment is known to be more effective if conducted at the onset of the problem.
Treatment options include a wide range of approaches: education, counseling,
therapy, rehab, and groups. Our website will help you in your search for the
treatment approach that is right for you or someone you care about who has a
problem with alcohol.