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The general effects of Alcohol abuse today

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: The body responsiveness to Alcohol abuse

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today are evident on how users of alcohol live their lives. A life full of destruction

The life complications keep getting more and more frustrating because of several factors including alcohol abuse and drug addiction. These two health conditions directly affect the well-being of human life and cannot be over looked. Over the years people have been into the business of marry making while consuming alcohol and all other alcoholic beverages across the globe. It is through this marry making that today life is almost becoming unbearable for most families and especially those taking care on an alcoholic loved one. One may wonder how marry making and self-enjoyment of life while taking a few bottles of drinks could be a problem. If this is what is going on in your mind right now, then you are at the right place, because throughout this article, we are going to be discussing the general effects of alcohol abuse today in our lives. With the help of doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, one of the leading pioneers in natural and holistic addiction treatment we will be well informed of the health effects of alcohol abuse and even drug addiction. You can therefore take this earliest opportunity to schedule for an appointment with her for more guidance and professional help.

Individual’s patients struggling with substance abuse may opt for the appointment with the experts for lasting solution, however the experience doctor Akoury has garnered over the past few decades can be very beneficial to other professional in the same discipline. And if you are wondering on how you can be part of this doctor Akoury is organizing an Educational, Functional and Integrative Addiction conference for medical experts including doctors, counselors, nurses and addiction therapists. The conference will be August 23-25 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This new frontier in Addiction Medicine will be conducted by the most influential group of leading visionaries specializing in the latest advances in natural and integrative addiction medicine, under the theme “The Future of Integrative Addiction”. You can get more information about this on www.integrativeaddiction2015.com or email sharon@integrativeaddiction2015.com. Just to give you a preview of those who will be attending this very important conference, we currently have confirmations from the who is who in the world of medicine including Dr. Mitch Ghen, DO, Ph.D, Sean Devlin, DO, HMD., Sahar Swidan, Pharma D. BCPS., Kenneth Proefrock, N.M.D., William Eidelman, M.D., and Gregory G. Smith, MD. That is just a preview you can get more information from the contacts given above and you are highly welcome to this one in a life time event. Back to the general effects of alcohol abuse today, the body is very much vulnerable to the toxic elements as we will soon find out from the explanations in this discussion.

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: Effects to the Skin, Muscle, and Bone Disorders

Several studies have associated severe alcoholism with osteoporosis which is the loss of bone density, muscular deterioration, skin sores, and itching. Whereas women are the most concern with the beauty of their skin complexion as compared to men, alcohol-dependent women seem to face a higher risk than men for damage to muscles, including muscles of the heart, from the toxic effects of alcohol.

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: Effects on Reproduction and Fetal Development

Sexual Function and Fertility – Alcoholism increases levels of the female hormone estrogen and reduces levels of the male hormone testosterone, factors that are closely associated with erectile dysfunction and enlarged breasts in men, and infertility in women. Such changes may also be responsible for the higher risks for absent periods and abnormal uterine bleeding in women with alcoholism.

Drinking During Pregnancy and Effects on the Infant – it is important to note that when nursing pregnancy even the so called moderate amounts of alcohol can have damaging effects on the developing fetus, including low birth weight and increased risk for miscarriage. High amounts can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition that can cause mental and growth retardation. Although there is no specific amount of alcohol intake, the risk of developing the syndrome is increased depending on the time of alcohol exposure during pregnancy, a pattern of drinking (four or more drinks per occasion), and how often alcohol consumption occurs.

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: Effect on Weight and Diabetes

Moderate alcohol consumption may help protect the hearts of adults with type 2 diabetes. Heavy drinking, however, is associated with obesity, which is a risk factor for this form of diabetes. In addition, alcohol can cause hypoglycemia, a drop in blood sugar, which is especially dangerous for people with diabetes who are taking insulin. Intoxicated diabetics may not be able to recognize symptoms of hypoglycemia.

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: Effect on Central and Peripheral Nervous System and Mental Functioning

Drinking too much alcohol can cause immediate mild neurologic problems in anyone, including insomnia and headache. Long-term alcohol use can physically affect the brain. Depending on length and severity of alcohol abuse, neurologic damage may not be permanent, and abstinence nearly always leads to eventual recovery of normal mental function.

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

People with alcoholism should be sure to take vitamin and mineral supplements. Even apparently well-nourished people with alcoholism may be deficient in important nutrients. Deficiencies in vitamin B pose particular health risks in people with alcoholism. Other vitamin and mineral deficiencies, however, can also cause widespread health problems.

Folate Deficiencies – Alcohol interferes with the metabolism of folate, a very important B vitamin, called folic acid when used as a supplement. Folate deficiencies can cause severe anemia. Deficiencies during pregnancy can lead to birth defects in the infant.

Peripheral Neuropathy – Vitamin B12 deficiencies can also lead to peripheral neuropathy, a condition that causes pain, tingling, and other abnormal sensations in the arms and legs.

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: Drug Interactions

The effects of many medications are strengthened by alcohol, while others are inhibited. Of particular importance is alcohol’s reinforcing effect on anti-anxiety drugs, sedatives, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications.

Alcohol also interacts with many drugs used by people with diabetes. It interferes with drugs that prevent seizures or blood clotting. It increases the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding in people taking aspirin or other non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen and naproxen. Chronic alcohol abusers have a particularly high risk for adverse side effects from consuming alcohol while taking certain antibiotics. These side effects include flushing, headache, nausea, and vomiting. In other words, taking almost any medication should preclude drinking alcohol. If you were not aware of the effects of alcohol before, now you know and it is time for you to make a difference in your society. If you know of anyone who is struggling with alcoholism, you can be the bridge of recovery to them by arranging with then to schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for help. But for the experts the Integrative Addiction conference for doctors, counselors, nurses and addiction therapists is a must attend for you and you can also consult with doctor Akoury for more information about Integrative Addiction Treatment on the following contact details:

Dalal Akoury M.D

AWAREmed

Tel: 843 213 1480

Email: dollyanis@hotmail.com

www.awaremednetwork.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILBEhjYkwKQ

The general effects of Alcohol abuse today: The body responsiveness to Alcohol abuse

 

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Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim: Why it is necessary to help drug addicts

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim may appear very difficult but it must be done for the safety of all victims

Knowing that majority of addicts will always be in denial and may take offence when this topic is introduced to them; it can be quite a challenge to initiate the discussion. It is because of these challenges that we often meet clients who visit this facility (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) specifically to get the best approach applicable. I remember one client asking “how can i bring up the subject with the substance user? Will the discussion make the situation worse?” from this concern you realize that the approach is a big problem and that is what doctor Akoury wants to addressed in this section. People often worry that initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim may cause them to pull a grudge with them and that this will lead him or her (the addict) to take drastic steps. They might make a scene in front of other family members, move out of the house, and drop out of school, secretly drink or use other drugs even more and hide it from everyone or retaliate against them or other family members.

These are actually very genuine concerns however, even though these concerns may be genuine, you will not know unless you try and for your information, you might find out that the reception may not be as bad as you thought. It may turn out that the conversation will be a wonderfully productive experience. It is perhaps possible that the person may have not noticed behavior changes, or doesn’t realize that his or her substance use was a problem or was causing problems to other members of the family. It is therefore necessary that you make effort and try because you will not know the outcome unless you try. Remember that when solutions are not realized, the problems may become so severe that the same drastic outcomes could result.

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim: Guidelines for a healthy approach

The following guidelines could be helpful for you in the initiation of the discussion:

  • Don’t bring up the subject when the person is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. When people are high, they are less able to understand logic and are more likely to be impatient, dismissive, angry and blaming. Some people have poor impulse control and may act irrationally or violently if the subject is brought up while he or she is under the influence.
  • Don’t be under the influence of substances yourself when initiating the talk.
  • Ensure that you chose the best time to talk preferably when the two of you can have more than a few minutes alone. Remember that your objective is to have a dialogue and a healthy two-way conversation in which you can state your concerns and understand the person’s perception of the situation. Ask if you can set a time to speak in the next few days to discuss something on your mind. If the person responds by saying, “Now is fine,” tell them you’d prefer to set time aside and not be interrupted.
  • When you meet, tell your family member that you care for him or her. Emphasize that it’s this concern for their well-being that has led you to have this conversation.
  • List the behaviors you’ve observed, state that you are worried about the effect drinking or drug use is having and express concern about continued use.
  • Create a two-way dialogue so the person doesn’t feel lectured or badgered. Use open-ended questions.
  • If the person states that there is definitely not a problem, ask to talk again at some point in the future. Your goal is not to convince the person that there is a problem, but to let them know that you believe there is one and that your belief is based on observable behaviors.
  • Don’t try to speculate, explore motives or judge. It can sidetrack you from the main point.
  • Don’t expect a dramatic shift in thinking or behavior right away; this conversation may be the first time the person has thought about this problem.
  • Keep in mind that there is no quick fix and prepare yourself for the long haul and you will appreciate that initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim was well worth it.
  • If the problem has only occurred over a short period of time, or has not reached a severe stage, it is possible that the victim you care about could successfully cut back on the use of alcohol or other drugs. If the person has not tried cutting back, you could suggest this strategy as a first step. Some people in the risky or abuse stages of substance use, or even in the early stage of addiction, are able to cut back and consistently use only minimal amounts in the future.

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim: Defeating the powers of denial

You may find, though as many do that people who can cut back are the exception, not the rule. Many people try to cut down and discover that they can’t. Or, they can only cut back for a few days or a few weeks before resuming heavy or excessive use. Trying to cut down and failing may help the person realize that the problem is more extensive than once thought. In the process of helping, you may also find that the person is able to stop completely. But many addicts have tried this strategy and couldn’t stop or remain abstinent for any significant amount of time. Ideally, the person should be assessed by a professional who can determine the best course of action depending on the severity of the problem and the person’s medical, psychological and social history. If you sense the person is willing to consider that there is a problem, suggest that an evaluation or a consultation with a trusted medical or mental health professional. (This suggestion may be too threatening for some people during a first conversation of this kind.)

Although you probably want the substance use to stop as soon as possible, immediate abstinence from certain drugs has risks, including withdrawal symptoms with serious medical consequences. Many people need to be admitted to a detoxification center to help them physically withdraw.

It is important to note that even if detoxification is not necessary, a formal, structured treatment program is vital for sustained abstinence. This is where a health care professional or substance use counselor would be very essential to help you and the person in need assess your options.

Initiating the discussion about substance abuse with the victim: Why it is necessary to help drug addicts

 

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About Substance Abuse and Mental Health

About Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Admitting you have a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders

About Substance Abuse and Mental Health

About Substance Abuse and Mental Health. the two conditions must be addressed simultaneously for any meaningful healing to be realized.

Are you struggling with drugs or is there any of your loved ones or anybody you know who is struggling with drugs? Drug addiction is not by any standard good for anyone’s health. People who have recovered from this scourge will attest to this. Even though this condition is treatable patients (addicts) are always in denial of what they are going through. This is one of the biggest challenges that must first be dealt with before any meaningful treatment can be administered. For sure without acknowledgement of the problem and willful acceptance, there is very little that any professional will do to help. That is why we put more emphasis about substance abuse and mental health so that addicts can own up and get ready for treatment. With that said and done, doctor says that if there is anything you need to remember then remember that substance abuse problems and mental health issues don’t get better when they’re ignored. As a matter of fact any time wasted will cause even much problem when treatment finally begins, in other words when dealing with matters addiction treatment should be immediate to rid of any possibilities of worsening the situation which is already frustrating. While appreciating that you may not want to be associated with drug addiction hence your reason for denial, surely you don’t have to feel this way. It is important to note that admitting you have a problem is the first step towards conquering your demons and enjoying life again. The following will help you come to terms with the problem at hand:

Consider family history – If people in your family lineage have grappled with either a mental disorder such as depression or alcohol abuse or drug addiction, you have a higher risk of developing these problems yourself. Meaning if this is true then you are not the first it had happen before.

Consider your sensitivity to alcohol or drugs – Are you highly sensitive to the effects of alcohol or drugs? Have you noticed a relationship between your substance use and your mental health? For example, do you get depressed when you drink? Interrogate that further.

Look at symptoms when you’re sober – While some depression or anxiety is normal after you’ve stopped drinking or doing drugs, if the symptoms persist after you’ve achieved sobriety, you may be dealing with a mental health problem.

Review your treatment history – Have you been treated before for either your addiction or your mental health problem? Did the substance abuse treatment fail because of complications from your mental health issue or vice versa? These will be very helpful to you in realizing that the problem you have is just like any other problem and treatment must be sought for immediately. Once you have noticed these then the next step is letting the professionals do their part by administering treatment so that the problem doesn’t escalate to some other complications.

About Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Signs and symptoms of substance abuse

Now that you have accepted that there could be some problems with your health and addiction, you need to move a step further and trace any signs and symptoms of substance abuse in your life. In other words if you’re wondering whether you have a substance abuse problem, then the following questions may help. Depending on how you respond to them will give an indication whether you have drinking problem or your drug use is a problem. In other words, when your response has more yes than no then chances are that you have a problem which needs to be fixed immediately.

  • Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking or drug use?
  • Have you tried to cut back, but just couldn’t?
  • Do you ever tell lies about how much or how often you drink or use drugs?
  • Have members of your family or friends showed concern about your alcohol or drug use?
  • Do you ever feel bad, guilty, or ashamed about your drinking or drug use?
  • On more than one occasion, have you done or said something while drunk or high that you later regretted and wished you didn’t?
  • Have you ever blacked out from drinking or drug use?
  • Has your alcohol or drug use caused problems in your relationships, as in marriage, work place?
  • Has you alcohol or drug use gotten you into trouble at work or with the law?

About Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Signs and symptoms of common co-occurring disorders

The mental health problems that most commonly co-occur with substance abuse are depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder.

About Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Common signs and symptoms of depression

  • Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
  • Loss of interest in daily activities
  • Inability to experience pleasure
  • Appetite or weight changes
  • Sleep changes
  • Loss of energy
  • Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Concentration problems
  • Anger, physical pain, and reckless behavior (especially in men)
About Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Common signs and symptoms of mania in bipolar disorder
  • Feelings of euphoria or extreme irritability
  • Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Increased energy
  • Rapid speech and racing thoughts
  • Impaired judgment and impulsivity
  • Hyperactivity
  • Anger or rage
About Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Common signs and symptoms of anxiety
  • Excessive tension and worry
  • Feeling restless or jumpy
  • Irritability or feeling “on edge”
  • Racing heart or shortness of breath
  • Nausea, trembling, or dizziness
  • Muscle tension, headaches
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Insomnia

Finally it amazes me how we often get the best information and fail to implement them. We all want to live healthy lives free from all manner of addictions and mental health complications but on the other hand we find it difficult to conform to certain standards of life that is deemed healthy and productive. That really amazes me, however knowing that these drugs are very addictive, we have a duty to change things professionally. When you visit us at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, we will evaluate your individual conditions and professionally administer treatment to your individual needs that will live you full of life free from addiction and ready to go places. You can talk to us today by calling doctor Dalal Akoury to schedule for you appointment.  

About Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Admitting you have a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders

 

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Overcoming the challenges of defeating Alcohol Addiction

Overcoming the challenges of defeating Alcohol Addiction: What does my friend have to do to get help?

Overcoming the challenges of defeating Alcohol Addiction

Overcoming the challenges of defeating Alcohol Addiction will be effective with the embracing of group therapies.

Not long ago we posted an article tailored specifically to inform the public on the best ways they can adopt towards helping an alcoholic recover from alcoholism. In that article we noted that most of our friends are suffering with alcoholism and it became evident that we have to pool together to reduce their suffering. You may want to make reference to that article even as we settle on overcoming the challenges of defeating alcohol addiction. As a concern friend you noticed that your friend is not behaving normally and you suspect that he is struggling with alcohol addiction problem. You are convicted that you need to do something to help and I am encouraged that we have concern people live you. How I wish they were many of them. But anyway experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are very much supportive of people like you and I would encourage you from the onset that talking to these professional lead by doctor Dalal Akoury who is also the founder of the facility. Meanwhile one of the biggest challenges to overcome in an attempt of defeating alcohol addiction is dealing with the problem of denial. The genesis of all treatment success is acceptance of the problem at hand unfortunately many people are in denial. Therefore if you have a friend you want to help with his or her alcohol addiction problem, you’ve got to start with making them to willingly acknowledge the presence of the problem they have. It is very important that to get better and recover well, your friend has to get some help to stop drinking or using the other drugs he may be using.

Doctor Akoury admits that facing such a problem and asking for help can be a scary thing to do. For the best to come out your friend will have to take an honest look at where drinking or abuse of other drugs has brought him or her. With that evaluation done honestly, the next step would be consent or admitting that it has caused them emotional and maybe physical pain as well. Your friend will have to see that it has robbed him or her of real friends, creativity, happiness, spirit, the respect of others, and even self-respect, and that it keeps your friend from growing up. It is also important to appreciate that one cannot solve the problem of drug addiction by themselves and therefore the help of experienced professionals would be very I deal, like for instance the services of a good counselor will support your friend and direct him or her to the kind of treatment and support groups that are most helpful.

Overcoming the challenges of defeating Alcohol Addiction: Talking to the various Support groups

Like we have mentioned before not individual can single handedly go it alone in overcoming the challenges of defeating alcohol addiction. As a means of helping your friend in this fight, it would be very important that you encourage your friend to talk to other people with drinking and other drug problems particularly those who are now in the recovery process. You could look for those who have passed through programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These groups are confidential, self-help organizations that offer assistance to anyone who has a drinking or other drug problem and wants to do something about it. AA and NA members are recovering alcoholics and addicts, so they have a special understanding of each other.

Take note that talking with others who have experienced similar problems is an important part of recovery. New members are encouraged to stay away from alcohol or other drugs “one day at a time.” The good news is that there is no fee for membership in these organizations. If your friend is afraid to go to a meeting alone, that is normal and don’t take offence about that instead be supportive and go along with him or her to an “open” meeting. Friends and family members are welcome to attend this type of meeting, and there are meetings in most neighborhoods or communities.

If your friend has a drinking or other drug problem, you may be the only one willing to reach out and help. Your friend may not appreciate your help right away, or he or she may realize it means you really care. Ultimately, it’s up to your friend to get help. It is not your responsibility to make that happen. In fact, you can’t make that happen. All you can do is talk to your friend, show how much you care, and encourage him or her to get help. Your concern and support might be just what is needed to help your friend turn his or her life around. However, if your friend is in serious trouble with alcohol or other drugs, and you have been unable to get your friend to get help on his or her own, you should consider speaking with your friend’s parents or guardian. The potential consequences to your friend’s life can be too severe to do nothing.

  • You cannot force someone you love to stop abusing alcohol. As much as you may want to, and as hard as it is to watch, you cannot make someone stop drinking. The choice is up to them.
  • Don’t expect the person to stop drinking and stay sober without help. Your loved one will need treatment, support, and new coping skills to overcome a serious drinking problem.
  • Recovery is an ongoing process. Recovery is a bumpy road, requiring time and patience. An alcoholic will not magically become a different person once sober. And the problems that led to the alcohol abuse in the first place will have to be faced.

Admitting that there’s a serious problem can be painful for the whole family, not just the alcohol abuser. But don’t be ashamed. You’re not alone. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse affects millions of families, from every social class, race, and culture. But there is help and support available for both you and your loved one and that is why doctor Akoury founded this establishment (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) to help you go through all these challenges. And for that reason you can now schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury for the commencement of your recovery journey.

Overcoming the challenges of defeating Alcohol Addiction: What does my friend have to do to get help?

 

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Helping an alcoholic recover from alcoholism

Helping an alcoholic recover from alcoholism: What can I do to help my friend?

Helping an alcoholic recover from alcoholism

Helping an alcoholic recover from alcoholism is the best thing you can do for a friend

Over the years we make new friends and keep old ones because we all value what friendship. And because of our attachment to our friends, it would be improper seeing our friends go through certain difficulties which need our help and do nothing. One very common problem that is affecting the current generation is issues to do with drug abuse and addiction. Young people are the major victims and most of our friends fall within this bracket. Take for instance the misuse of alcohol, this is problem is causing havoc in many families and neighborhoods. Therefore helping an alcoholic recover from alcoholism is one very important thing you can do for a friend say doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. Doctor Akoury was motivated into forming this establishment due to the suffering of many young people who have resorted into drug addiction. In her experience of over two decades, doctor Akoury has been very instrumental in offering professional treatment to many patients across the globe with so many success stories being credited to her. As we progress into this discussion, if by any chance you are struggling with alcoholism or any kind of substance abuse, then you may want to consider scheduling for an appointment with doctor Akoury today for the commencement of your recovery journey.

Meanwhile about helping an alcoholic recover from alcoholism, experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury says that it is possible for you to help a friend who is in serious trouble with alcohol or other drugs. However it is important to note that whether or not your friend accepts your help or takes your advice and gets benefits from it is really your friend’s decision and responsibility. Helping is very good and very noble for that matter, but it come with a great challenge and a lot of effort on your side will be very important. You will need to know more about the condition of your friend for you to be on top everything. This way, you will be in a better position of helping. Sometimes it may be necessary that you approach the patient in company of another trusted mutual friend whose role would be to make conversation between the two of you flow effectively.

Helping an alcoholic recover from alcoholism: Laying the ground work in helping an alcoholic friend

According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center the first step in getting help is for your friend to talk to someone about his or her alcohol and drug use. Treatment will not be easy if your friend is not willing to open up into acknowledging the problem. You will need to make all the efforts to talk to your friend into admitting that there is a problem, and to agree to stop drinking or using other drugs completely. Remember that this must be as voluntary as possible, at no given time must you force, your part will only to encourage them and not making the decision for them. Your friend needs support and understanding, and someone they can trust to talk to about the problem. You can’t force a friend to get help, but you can encourage and support your friend to seek and find professional help.

Along the way things may not go as you had expected and this is normally the way. If this becomes the situation and you are worried about a friend, it is important for you to speak to someone in private who is knowledgeable and reassuring. And for the avoidance of doubt telling someone isn’t being disloyal to your friend. It’s important to know the facts about what’s happening to your friend if you plan to help in a more meaningful way. Remember not to try helping your friend on your own until you have talked to someone you can trust the people you may want to talk to may include a counselor, teacher, doctor, nurse, parent, or someone at your church or synagogue. Be very particular and ask this person to keep the conversation confidential. You don’t have to mention your friend by name; you can just talk generally about the problem. Talking to a professional will help you figure out what the best steps are for you to take.

If you decide to speak to your friend, here are some guidelines that you and your advisor should consider in planning how and what you could do to help:

  • The timing for the talk must be right. Only talk to your friend when he or she is sober or straight before school is a good time.
  • Never accuse your friend of being an alcoholic or a drug addict, but do express your concern. Try not to blame your friend for the problem; if you do, he or she might be turned off right away.
  • Talk about your feelings. Tell your friend you’re worried, and how it feels for you to see him or her drunk or high on other drugs.
  • Tell your friend what you’ve seen him or her do when drinking or using other drugs. Give specific examples. Tell your friend you want to help.
  • Speak in a caring and understanding tone of voice, not with pity but with friendship.
  • Be prepared for denial and anger. Your friend may say there is nothing wrong and may get mad at you. Many people with alcohol and other drug problems react this way. When confronted, many users will defend their use, blame others for the problem, or give excuses for why they drink or use other drugs.
  • Find out where help is available. You could offer to go with your friend to get help, but be prepared to follow through. This gesture will show your friend that you really care.

You need to tell your friend that you are worried about him or her, and that someone who can help needs to be told. Your friend might get really mad at you, but if you say nothing, things may get worse and your friend may be in more danger. Any effort you make towards helping an alcoholic recover from alcoholism is a step in the right direction and will certainly add value to the lives of suffering addicts. Doing this is very important in rising up a strong and working society for generations to come.

Helping an alcoholic recover from alcoholism: What can I do to help my friend?

 

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