Employees and Drug Addiction

July 24, 2014

Employees and Drug Addiction – Workplace

Workplace must be accommodating enough to discourage drug addiction. Stressful set ups will only injure any meaningful gains made.

The reality of addiction related problems in the workplaces is becoming a common phenomenon and unless we positively come out to address it we will soon not have an economy to run as organization or nations. The prevalent of addiction cut across all sectors of life of both the individuals and the society and when it does it destroys one’s health, relationships, emotional well-being and this effects eventually finds their way in the workplace bringing very negative results. It is believed that majority of people struggling with addiction are employed in various sectors of the economy and because of this their performance is reduced to about two thirds in relation to those employees free from the scourge.

Various studies have established that prior to enrolling for treatment these employees were unproductive due to consistent absconding of duty, lateness or just lazing a round because of their addiction problems. This is a clear indication that employees addiction impacts negatively to their work performance which eventually translate to the inflated cost of doing business to their employers beside the dented reputation of the organization image and goodwill. In the interest of this it’s important to consider and understand the role of the workplace and the employer in the addiction recovery process. Therefore:

Why is it Difficult for Employees to Ask for Help?
It may not be easy for employees to seek for help for fear of being victimized by their employers and the related stigmatization. However employers should take note that support their employees with addiction problems to reach out for help not only benefits the employee in terms of their physical, emotional, and mental health but also benefits the organization in many productive ways.

The Benefits of Addiction Treatment

As indicated above helping employees with their addiction conditions in beneficial to both the employees and the employer as discussed below.

Benefits to an Employee and the Employer – when our mental health is good, we are able to cope with the hassles and stressors of everyday life. We are purposeful and productive. But our mental health is poor it can impact a variety of aspects of our lives. When someone is suffering from mental health problems or illness, such as a substance abuse problem or other type of addiction, the impact on the individual can be more pervasive and severe. Co-workers may perceive these types of individuals as difficult or unreliable, and this can create a very unpleasant work environment.

When mental health or other medical conditions become so severe, the individual may have to take a leave from work for an extended period of time. This can escalate:

Disability costs
Benefits utilization
Replacement costs and
Costs associated with lost productivity.

Failing to address the underlying mental health problems of the employee increases the likelihood of the individual developing recurring problems at work. However, with adequate intervention and an ongoing treatment strategy, someone suffering from a mental health illness such as an addiction can experience good mental health and an improved quality of life.

How Employers Can Help?
There are several ways an employee can benefit including some of the recommendations made by the Mental Health Commission of Canada which include the following steps to be taken by the employers at workplaces:

Health promotion and prevention of psychological issues at work
Early identification of psychological problems and optimal treatment of mental health conditions to reduce disability and to support a return to work strategy.

Early Intervention for Best Results
What makes the establishment of wellness programs even more imperative, is that research has demonstrated that individuals struggling with an addiction, on average wait thirteen and a half years before entering residential treatment. The goal therefore is, to intervene early with an employee who has a substance use or behavioral addiction problem, before it progresses and worsens over time. By establishing a non-punitive, supportive organizational culture involved in the psychological well-being of their employees, an organization can minimize the potential escalating costs associated with employees and their problematic substance use and behavior.

Treatment Benefits beyond Absenteeism, Tardiness and Productivity
Even though studies have established the above as some of the costs and benefits associated with addiction in the workplace, employers must not limit their evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of treatment based exclusively on workers’ absenteeism, tardiness and productivity. The economic benefit of addiction treatment goes beyond these variables to include reduction on-the-job errors, accidents and injuries, and reduced disability costs. Other benefits may include improved morale, decreased conflict among workers and reduced costs associated with dismissal, hiring and training. Depending on the workplace context, other potential benefits can also include reduced legal liabilities and minimizing potential negative impacts on organizational reputation and trust between stakeholders and clients.

However it is understandable that becoming involved in employees’ psychological well-being is not an easy feat for employers and when performance is affected, it’s difficult to have the tough talk. This is where adequate training and education for managers and employees would help organizations to overcome this potential barrier.

The Bottom-Line and Beyond
Appealing to “the bottom line” and outlining the economic benefits of addiction treatment has shown to be an effective way to engage employers in the recovery of their employees’ addiction. The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a primary neurological disease affecting brain reward, motivation, memory and its related circuitry. Because it is a chronic brain disease, addiction requires treatment and management over a lifetime unlike other chronic diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Addiction can be as devastating as any other illness and is classified as a disability by many employment legislations across the globe.

It is therefore very important to assist employees in their recovery process. Common barriers such as shame, organizational denial, and enabling behaviors of coworkers can prevent employees from seeking help for this medical and psychological problem. Employers need to understand the ways that their organizations may maintain these barriers and appreciate that employer involvement in the recovery process is beneficial for both the employee and the organization.

Effective addiction treatment that includes long-term continuing care and support from family and employers is a mutually beneficial solution to a problem that often permeates a variety of aspects of an individual’s life – including their work. So when it comes to your employees and addiction it is your business to liaise with reputable addiction professionals like doctor Dalal Akoury who founded AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center where addiction treatment is administered in total focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE.

Employees and Drug Addiction – Workplace

Alcohol the trigger of Violence

July 23, 2014

Alcohol the trigger of Violence – Drug Addiction

Alcohol the trigger of violence. The effects of alcohol in families an society is worrying. Solutions must be found soon

Alcohol is currently leading among substances being abused the world over and because of this it is one of the substance that triggers violence the most. The frequency with which violence triggered by alcohol consumption are being aired on the different media platform is just a confirmation of the seriousness of the matter. While it is true that this substance is widely abused it must be made clear that not everyone using alcohol in whatever units becomes aggressive or provoked to violence, and in fact it is only a few people who will be violent after drinking. The most painful thing is that these violent acts and behaviors normally have far reaching effect or consequences to the family members and friends and by extension the general membership of the public.

Who’s at risk?

The character of being violent when drunk is not an excuse in anyway, in most cases the people who become violent when drunk are those with questionable personalities meaning that these people are also capable of being violent even when sober. Studies of alcohol and aggressive behavior have established that individuals who are more short-tempered are poor managers of their anger in other wards they are those people who cannot control emotions and they display lower levels of compassion towards others when sober these people are more likely to be aggressive when they have alcohol in their system. Gender also a factor and has an influence where men are more likely to be aggressive than women when drunk.

Out of control

There is reasonable proof that elusive variations in the brain functions in some individuals act abnormally than others when under influence of just a little drink and we can measure the effects of alcohol in one’s brain is by examining how individuals use their brain’s executive system. This is the section of the brain tasked with issues like decision making, problem solving and reasoning. It serves like the command centre of the brain which instructs people to slow down and evaluate the possible consequences even as they steer themselves towards seeing the best long-term results. When the brain executive system fails to regulate our behaviors, we often become vulnerable to our instincts which for many resolve to violent instead of being remorseful and taking deep breath when we feel irritated and insulted. It is important noting that some people have poor executive control than others, and if these are male, then they are more likely to be aggressive after drinking alcohol.

Young adults

We could be guided to reach conclusion that luck of executive control could be the reason why adolescents and young adults are so quick into violent behavior when drunk. It has been made known to us that our brains continue to develop well into our 20s and that one of the last parts of the brain to develop is the prefrontal lobe, the section tasked with reigning in impulses through executive control.

People who have a dependence on alcohol have a “double whammy” when it comes to executive control and whenever they consume alcohol their executive functioning is impaired due to the alcohol in their system. But their consistent use of alcohol also leads to poorer executive function even when they aren’t drinking, an effect that may prolong up to a year even after they stop drinking.

Attentive and alarmed

When someone accidentally bumps into you in a crowded bar or at a sporting event, most of us are able to quickly shrug it off as a gentle interruption to our day. But add alcohol to the equation and an innocuous bump can suddenly be interpreted as a serious threat, or even a deliberate act of aggression. Alcohol can affect information processing and your ability to determine how much threat is actually present in the environment.

Alcohol can alter our perception of the world and explains that any increased sensitivity to apparent threats isn’t just about what’s going on in the brain. Alcohol’s effects on the heart can also play a role. You can get palpitations, or what is known as tachyarrhythmias, as a consequence of alcohol and a racing heart can often be misinterpreted as a threat.

Expectations matter

Much as we would want to see a violent free society the indulgence of alcohol betrays this fact and therefore can begin seeing the possibilities of future violence in our children behaviors especially when they are being brought up in violent prone neighborhood. When the children observe violence from their drunken parents or watch programs associated with alcoholic violence then this is likely to propagate in their minds and the evidence may be revealed when children resort violence among themselves when solving their own disputes.

Let’s look further for example a society where the number of bars and drinking joints are more than schools, churches, and retail shops put together there is likelihood that there will be frequent alcohol related violence to the point of condoning the acts. As sad as it may be this is true because this is what the society is used to and in fact in such places you will not be surprised to see people spectating when a fight breaks out this is so because what they expect in their daily lives is drinking and violence after all that is what their neighborhood is all about.

However the power of expectation can also play a part in influencing how people behave when they consume different alcoholic drinks, quite different from the physical impact of differing alcohol concentrations. People have different expectations for what happens when they drink wine, liquor or beer. None the less it is not very clear whether certain drinks like these ones mention help to increase aggression even though drinks rich in caffeine can lead people to take more risks than they would otherwise do.

Reducing violent behavior

This can be very challenging in many ways however professionally one of the greatest challenges for psychologists when attending to people who are more likely to be aggressive when they drink is teaching them about temper control. Nonetheless it is important noting that introducing anger management programs should be the starting point for those who end up seeking help when alcohol gets them into trouble with the law enforcement agencies and their families. This can be done by creating safety plans which enables them to study the internal sensations of anger, how to identify them and the solutions necessary to turn down the volume and be moderate when things are a bit hot.

Because alcohol is that addictive the kind of professional to be engaged must be one with great experience in addiction and has the capacity to contain the problem. Doctor Dalal Akoury is one such professional who has had great experience of more than two decades in matters addiction. She is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center where together with her team of experts they focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE this is an effective way of ensuring reduction of alcohol related violence in the most natural way.

Alcohol the trigger of Violence – Drug Addiction

Moderate Drinking and the consequences attached

July 22, 2014

Moderate Drinking and the consequences attached: Drug Addiction

Moderate drinking is key to controlling addiction and a voiding life-threatening diseases resulting from alcohol addiction.

Drinking alcohol is one major cause of addiction and one which is proving difficult to quit despite knowledge of the consequences associated with it. In our desire to get rid of addiction from our societies we will be discussing moderate drinking as a step in the right direction toward achieving our objective. There is a very thin line between moderate drinking and how much should be taken within a given period of time. People who have been drinking for some time whether addicts or not will attest to the fact that they have had or witnessed some embarrassing situations in their lives while under the influence of alcohol instances like having humiliated themselves at their work stations or in a party somewhere, having hangover that ruined their plans, being met on the wrong side of the law while driving when they shouldn’t have and many other circumstances. When reality down on them the next day when the effect of their intoxication is settling they are always full of regrets and wishing to cut down on their drinking.

These are real life situations we are often faced with on a daily basis and while we are appreciating that not everyone is keen to cutting alcohol out of their lives, nor do they need to categorized alcohol users with some history of addiction or mental illness like various diseases of the liver or pancreas, or who are pregnant or taking certain medications shouldn’t drink at all, however as for others, there is an elusive middle ground called moderation which brings us to the big question what is “moderate drinking” and how can it be accomplished? As big as the question is so is the boldness in certain decisions you may consider taking to get your drinking under control as illustrated here in.

Moderate Drinking and the consequences attached: Avoid the Pre-Party

Various studies has established that “pre-drinking” before a party or social event, is normally characterized with cheap alcohol which is taken hurriedly and in large quantities, almost doubles total alcohol consumption as well as negative outcomes such as hangovers, blackouts and unprotected sex. This practice is particularly common among adolescents and young adults who not legally allowed taking alcohol let alone buying alcohol drinks or being in such places where alcoholic beverages are sold. Nonetheless most alcohol consumers are known not to be stationery in one given join. This habit of changing drinking locations during the night out is a powerful ingredient of increased quantity of alcohol consumption and it works well in defeating the intentions of moderate drinking.

Moderate Drinking – Record keeping

The human brain and especially that of an alcohol consumer is likely to forget almost everything while drinking bringing in the need of taking notes and keeping records. This is a practice which has worked in other areas like in weight lose journal which is very helpful to people concern in sticking to their diet. Research has established that a drinking diary can help people get honest about their alcohol intake and identify problem areas. Counting drinks is very key irrespective of how you do it, whether on paper, a smartphone or with the help of a sober friend, this will help you remember the nasty truths of your drinking which you’d prefer addressing and hopefully avoid in the future.

With the records you will be able to identify your patterns and make a decision on an ideal number of drinks per day and per week and test your ability to stay within those limits. According to Dietary Guidelines for Americans they describes moderate drinking as up to one drink each day for women and two drinks each day for men and a standard drink is 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor.

Always Have a Drink in Hand – as Long as it’s Non-Alcoholic

A number of challenging scenarios may arise when you’re socializing at a party, club or other event. Swapping alcoholic drinks for a non-alcoholic variety has two major benefits: If you’re drinking water, juice or soda, you’re likely not drinking as much booze. Also, with some type of beverage in hand, your choice to drink less (or not at all) will likely go unnoticed by friends who want a drinking companion.

Moderate Drinking – Slow Down

When out drinking whether alone or in company of friends it is worth noting that drinking too much too fast will defeat any efforts to moderate your drinking. It’s advisable to take time and only pace yourself by sipping rather than guzzling also do not participate in drinking games and purpose to be taking one drink per hour and if possible take even less than a drink in an hour and in between drinks take food and non-alcoholic drinks doing this helps you commit to moderate drinking.

Moderate Drinking and the consequences attached: Mind Your Drinking Cues.

If you track your drinking patterns long enough, you may discover certain trends. Maybe you always overdo it when a particular friend or family member is around or at a specific time of day such as when you get home from work. Or perhaps the nostalgia of a certain bar or club makes you vulnerable to bingeing, or you turn to alcohol every time you feel sad or angry. These patterns will clearly show you your triggers and with this information you may choose which people, places and things to avoid and find other activities to replace them.

Finally drinking in moderation has both risks and benefits, but drinking too much poses a clear threat to your health and well-being. Heavy drinking can cause:

Stroke
High blood pressure
Accidental injuries
Cirrhosis of the liver
Certain cancers among other problems

If you find yourself routinely drinking more than you planned, unable to quit or uninterested in anything but drinking, your problem may go beyond occasional overindulgence and cross into alcohol abuse or addiction. In this case, attempts at moderation will perpetuate a frustrating cycle until you seek appropriate treatment and support usually from addiction professionals like doctor Dalal Akoury who founded AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center an institution where care is given professionally to all addicts in the most natural way while focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE

Moderate Drinking and the consequences attached: Drug Addiction

DRUG INDUCED LIVER DISEASE

July 21, 2014

The cases of liver diseases have recently recorded an acute rise. A recent study in
London found that hospital admission for liver disease as a result of
drinking has risen an alarming 112 percent in the past decade among
women under thirty. The question is, “why is it on a rise for women especially?” one of the possible reason and what the researchers have pointed out is the denial
about their drinking habits.

What Is Drug Induced Liver Disease?

This refers to the diseases of the liver, which unlike the naturally occurring ones, they are caused by drugs. These drugs can be prescribed medication, over the counter medication, vitamins, hormones, herbs, illicit drugs or environmental toxins.

Why is denial being associated with the increase in drug induced liver diseases in women?

Drug Induced Liver Disease Before we answer this question, we need to understand the meaning of denial first. What is denial in relation to drugs/ addiction? Denial is a defense mechanism in which a person doesn’t want to admit to a problem. In this case for example, admitting to the problem of drug taking would force an individual to handle his/her drug addiction and this would have to make significant changes and admit wrongdoing.

Addiction to alcohol and related drug substances has been on a rise. Women have also been involved in drug taking (especially alcohol) in the recent past. Alcohol which is among the highly addictive drug substances is known to cause liver diseases. This addiction poses one to high chances of getting these diseases since the rates of consumption of alcohol rises. Admitting to addiction can be too difficult especially to women and hence seeking recovery assistance becomes paralyzed. In this respect, women will deny the fact that they are taking drugs which are usually followed by effects, one of which is drug-induced liver disease. This means the chances of women who are addicts of alcohol remaining in the situation are higher above those of men. This could be a good explanation of why many women are now reported to be admitted of liver drug induced diseases.

Which are the symptoms of liver disease?

Liver diseases will rarely have symptoms which are observable immediately after one has a liver disease. For patients with mild liver disease may have a few or no symptoms at all. For the case of patients with severe liver disease, symptoms develop which may or not be specific.

Non-specific symptoms – there are symptoms that even after seeing them depicted on a given person we cannot conclude that the person has a liver disease. These are the symptoms we term as non-specific symptoms since they can be seen in many other disorder or diseases. These non-specific symptoms may include:- Abdominal pains, loss of appetite, fatigue and weakness of the body.
Specific symptoms – this refers to symptoms which will specifically indicate that a person is a victim of liver disease. These symptoms may include;
- Yellowing of the skin – this is normally as a result of the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood.
- Itching associated with liver disease may be evident
- Easy bruising may occur due to the decreased production of the blood clotting agents by the diseased liver.
- Others may include:- fever, joint pains, sore muscles, nausea, vomiting etc.

Note that in severe case such as in advanced liver disease with cirrhosis can depict symptoms that are related to cirrhosis such as:-

Accumulation of fluid in the legs and abdomen. This is due to the increased pressure in the blood vessels that goes to the liver.
Another symptom that may occur is mental confusion or coma. This is from hepatic encephalopathy due to the increase in ammonia.
The patient of liver disease will be highly vulnerable to bacterial infections and gastrointestinal bleeding.

How is drug-induced liver disease diagnosed?

The process of diagnosis of drug induced liver disease will always begin with examination of the complete history and physical wellbeing. On top of that examination, other diagnostic procedures will follow. These procedures inclue;

Specific blood testing in the lab such as:-

o Study of liver functioning

o Cellular blood count

o Determination of bleeding times

o Electrolyte tests

o Chemical substances presence in the body tests

o And finally drug screening tests.

Liver biopsy – this refers to the procedure in which blood samples are removed from the liver from the body for examination.
Ultrasound diagnostic methods – this involves use of a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high frequency sound waves to create images of internal organs in the body.

Is there treatment for liver disease?

Yes, liver disease is curable. The procedure of treatment will differ from one person to the other. The specific treatment for the patient of drug induced liver disease will be determined by the physician based on the following:-

The physician will enquire about your age, overall health and medical history.
Another concern will be your tolerance on specific medications
Expectations for the course of the disease will also be another factor to be considered.
Your opinion or preference may sometimes form part of things to be considered by the physician but this will in most cases be a rare case.

What Is Drug Induced Liver Disease?

Indicators of Alcoholism

July 21, 2014

Indicators of Alcoholism – Drug Addiction

Alcoholism indicators. It is very frustrating to the families seeing their loved ones being messed up by alcohol abuse and addiction.

If there is anything you do not want for your children is them being associated with people addicted to any drug of any kind. The grave dangers of being in a state of addiction will not allow anyone in the right state of mind to have their children go through the problems related to substance abuse. One of the commonly abused drug is alcohol, a substance whose consumption is legal and is used freely the world over. Parents have a duty to watch over their children and bring them up in total safety of any harm of addiction. This is an enormous role to do and especially in this time of work commitment where there is very little time parents spend with their children. But even in the middle of all these busy schedule parents must be very observant and ensure safety of the children from all manner of addictions. Therefore as a parent do you suspect that your child is abusing alcohol or using drugs? Are you worried in anyway? Have you noticed some changes with your child? As a parent, it is usual to be concerned and this is what we want to discuss in this article.

Indicators of Alcoholism – How Are Parents Affected?

Being knowledgeable about alcoholism and drug addiction is very instrumental to helping your children. You will need to begin with yourself and access the degree to which you’re affected by their use of alcohol or drugs. Being knowledgeable and your capability to being helpful to them will rest on your understanding of alcohol and drugs and who your children’s abuse has affected you individually. By the way the most important step you may take into helping your children is to commit to sourcing for help and support for yourself. You can do this by answering these questions as follows: As for alcohol find out if you are easily trouble bus someone’s and for drugs ask yourself if you will need help. With this in mind let us progress to the warning sings.

Indicators of Alcoholism – Warning Signs

The use and abuse of alcohol and drugs are serious issues that should not be ignored or minimized and we should not sit back and hope they just go away. If left untreated they can develop into drug dependence or alcoholism. As a result, it is important to identify the signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug abuse early. If you’re worried that your child might be abusing alcohol or drugs, here are some of the indicators to look for:

Indicators of Alcoholism – Physical and health warning signs of drug abuse

Eyes that are bloodshot or pupils that are smaller or larger than normal.
Frequent nosebleeds could be related to snorted drugs like meth or cocaine.
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
Seizures without a history of epilepsy
Declining personal grooming or physical appearance.
Impaired coordination, injuries, accidents, bruises that they won’t or can’t tell you about that is to say they can explain how they got hurt
Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.
Shakes, tremors, incoherent or slurred speech, impaired or unstable coordination.

Indicators of Alcoholism – Behavioral signs of alcohol or drug abuse

Missing class, falling grades, getting in trouble at school
Drop in attendance and performance at work- loss of interest in extracurricular activities, hobbies, sports or exercise- decreased motivation
Complaints from colleagues, supervisors, teachers or classmates
Missing money, valuables, prescription or prescription drugs, borrowing and stealing money
Acting isolated, silent, withdrawn, engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
Clashes with family values and beliefs
Preoccupation with alcohol and drug-related lifestyle in music, clothing and posters
Demanding more privacy, locking doors and avoiding eye contact
Sudden change in relationships, friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies.
Frequently getting into trouble (arguments, fights, accidents, illegal activities)
Using incense, perfume, air freshener to hide smell of smoke or drugs
Using eye-drops to mask bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils

Indicators of Alcoholism – Psychological warning signs of alcohol or drug abuse

Unexplained, confusing change in personality and/or attitude.
Sudden mood changes, irritability, angry outbursts or laughing at nothing.
Periods of unusual hyperactivity or agitation.
Lack of motivation; inability to focus, appears lethargic or “spaced out.”
Appears fearful, withdrawn, anxious, or paranoid, with no apparent reason.

Signs and symptoms of alcoholism and drug dependence

Alcoholism involves all the symptoms of alcohol abuse, but also involves another set of elements i.e. Physical dependence e.g. tolerance and withdrawal.

Tolerance – Tolerance means that, over period of time you will need more of alcohol to feel the same effect you use to feel at minimal quantity. Ask yourself if you drink more than you used to? Or drink more than other people without showing obvious signs of intoxication?

Withdrawal – As the effect of the alcohol wears off you may experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or jumpiness, shakiness or trembling; sweating, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, depression, irritability, fatigue or loss of appetite and headaches. Do you drink to steady the nerves, stop the shakes in the morning? Drinking to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms is a sign of alcoholism and addiction.

In serious cases, withdrawal from alcohol can be life-threatening and may involve hallucinations, confusion, seizures, fever, and agitation. These symptoms can be dangerous and should be managed by a physician specifically trained and experienced in dealing with alcoholism and addiction like Dr. Dalal Akoury, Founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. She is having over two decades of experience in offering exclusive NER Recovery Treatment to other physicians and health care professionals through training, clinical apprenticeships, webinars and seminars globally and anyone or qualified professional can now be a part of this truly successful and fast addiction recovery treatment.

Loss of Control – Drinking more than you wanted to, for longer than you intended, or despite promising yourself that you will not do it this time.

Desire to Stop but Can’t – You have a persistent desire to cut down or stop your alcohol use, but all efforts to stop and stay stopped, have been unsuccessful.

Neglecting Other Activities – You are spending less time on activities that used to be important to you (hanging out with family and friends, exercising- going to the gym, pursuing your hobbies or other interests) because of the use of alcohol.

Alcohol Takes up Greater Time, Energy and Focus – You spend a lot of time drinking, thinking about it, or recovering from its effects. You have few, if any, interests, social or community involvements that don’t revolve around the use of alcohol.

Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences – You drink in full knowledge that it’s causing problems. As an example, you realize that your alcohol use is interfering with your ability to do your job, is damaging your marriage, making your problems worse, or causing health problems, but you continue to drink.

Indicators of Alcoholism – Drug Addiction

Tag Archives: alcoholism