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

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

Alcohol and the Workplace

July 21, 2014

Alcohol and the Workplace – Drug Addiction

Office alcohol consumption is the genesis to poor productivity and injury to the image of the whole image of the organization

It has been said that alcohol is the most abused substances of all other drugs known to be addictive. It is worrying that young children as young as 9 nine years have started using drugs and these are the most fundamental concerns we have to deal with as a society. Alcohol consumption being the most a bused substance has very many health and social consequences in all societies. Since it is not illegal to take alcohol it consumption becomes very difficult to control on individuals even though some governments are trying to regulate it sales but all these does not significantly bring is the desired measures to reducing its effects in our societies and especially in our work stations. Therefore our discussion is going to be dwelling on alcohol and its effects on the work place.

People get employed in different sectors and organizations to be productive and earn a living from the income they generate as a result of their services rendered. The employment engagement can be either in the public or private sector and in all the employers expects return from their employees. When alcohol consumption becomes a problem in an employee’s life then organizations they work for suffers immensely and the employee also stand great risk of harming themselves and even the people around them. In the workplace, the impact of alcoholism focuses on four major issues:

Premature death and fatal accidents
Injuries and accident rates
Absenteeism due to extra sick leave
Loss of production

The effect of alcohol consumption need not to be a problem if not abused, the organization may not suffer all these if their employees drink responsibly however when they become addicted then the above are the most immediate consequences.

Alcohol and the Workplace – Premature death and fatal accidents

When an employee dies the organization loses work force much as they will be replaces the experiences gained by the demised staff is gone. Sometimes the organization invests heavily on their staff by training them and to lose them in prematurely because of alcohol is such a cost to the employer.

Alcohol and the Workplace – Injuries and accident rate

The organization needs their personnel to be healthy for them to deliver effectively on their respective assignment. This is not possible when they suffer injuries either at the work station or outside. Moreover it becomes very costly for the organization that will have to pay those damages or compensation emanating from the injuries they incur while on duty.

Alcohol and the Workplace – Absenteeism

It goes without saying that alcoholism being a disease may lead one into being hospitalized for treatment either in a rehab or just in ordinary health facilities. Heavy alcohol users often find themselves on the wrong side of the law and while they are in the hands of law enforcement agencies the organization will not only suffer from their being absent but also denting reputation. The cost or organization image is a very valuable asset for all organizations and any injury to it is very harmful and may not be recovered from easily.

Alcohol and the Workplace – Lose of production

All the above discussed consequences lead us into one thing and that is losing in production. All businesses will only be effective and profitable when their productivity is in shape. We need effective and competent sober work force to deliver this. Alcohol consumption is the enemy number one for any meaningful business. The funny thing is that even those firms producing these alcohols also need their personnel to be sober while at work. A drunken work force is a liability for any business oriented organization and must be avoided by all means. There are so many other problems which are associated with alcohol consumption at work some of which may include:

Tardiness and sleeping on the job
Theft
Poor decision making by the personnel
Loss of efficiency and accuracy
Lower morale of colleagues who are not drinking
Increased likelihood of having trouble with colleagues, supervisors or tasks
Higher staff turnover
Training of new employees
Disciplinary procedures

Problems of alcoholism can affect any industry and any organization in discriminatively however this problem may be very prevalent certain industries like:

Food service
Construction
Mining and Drilling
Excavation
Installation, maintenance and repair

Two specific kinds of drinking behavior significantly contribute to the level of work-performance problems: drinking right before or during working hours (including drinking at lunch and at company functions), and heavy drinking the night before that causes hangovers during work the next day.

And it isn’t just alcoholics who can generate problems in the workplace. Research has shown that the majority of alcohol-related work-performance problems are associated with nondependent drinkers who may ones in a while drink too much not exclusively by alcohol-dependent employees. In addition, family members living with someone’s alcoholism also suffer significant job performance related problems- including poor job performance, lack of focus, absenteeism, increased health-related problems and use of health insurance

Alcohol and the Workplace – Solutions to address the problem

The employers need to establish an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) in their work systems. This has been found to be the most effective way to address alcohol and drug problems in the workplace, employees and their family members are provided referrals to community resources and services. Many individuals and families face a host of difficulties closely associated with problem drinking, and these problems quite often spill into the workplace. By encouraging and supporting treatment, employers can significantly help in reducing the negative impact of alcoholism in the workplace as well as reducing their costs of operations.

In conclusion studies have established that alcohol treatment pays for itself in reduced healthcare costs that begin as soon as people begin treatment. Alcohol treatment also improves an individual’s functioning, leading to increased productivity at work. We must therefore invest in prevention and treatment adequately not just by safe guarding our effectiveness in work places but to the economy of our nations. The full involvement of addiction experts will be very essential and if you are a manager in an organization where this is a problem, then you can contact AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center a facility founded by Doctor Akoury who is an addiction expert of many decades and you and your employees will be cared for professionally while focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE this way you will have your business back to its desired levels of productivity.

Alcohol and the Workplace – Drug Addiction

Alcohol addiction on the Brain

June 9, 2014

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Specific Effects on the Brain

Addiction and especially alcohol addiction affects the brain nerve system

The most sensitive organs of the body is the brain it controls the whole functions of the body and when it stops life also stops and the bearer dies. Because of its sensitivity it must be protected and defended from any harm to that may come to it either internally or externally. It is because of this background that we want to discuss how certain substances can affect the brain and the possible precautions to keep it in its perfect operational state. Alcohol and specifically ethanol is a central nervous system depressant that has a range of side effects on the body and brain.

We are focusing on the brain because while other cells within the human body has the ability to regenerate, brain cell do not regenerate. Alcohol affects the brain in many ways some include:

Excessive alcohol consumption over period of time can lead to problems with cognition and memory.
Alcohol contracts the brain tissue and depresses the central nervous system.
Alcohol destroys the brain cells.
When alcohol reaches the brain, it interferes with communication between nerve cells by interacting with cell receptors.
The alcohol suppresses excitable nerve pathway activity.
Among other actions, alcohol enhances the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, thus causing a person to become sluggish.
Alcohol weakens the excitable neurotransmitter glutamine, which adds to sluggish tendencies.

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Effects of Alcohol on the Cerebral Cortex

I believe that you have come across somebody who has drunk alcohol and that you can a test to the fact that under the influence of alcohol such a person’s brain functions shifts dramatically. It is the cerebral cortex that senses shift of thought and initiate voluntary muscle movements. Alcohol will then affects the cerebral cortex in many ways like:

Negative effect on thoughts or thinking processes which in many times lead to poor judgment by the victim.
Lowers inhibitions. When this happens the victim becomes too talkative, portrays false sense of confidence that can only last while still under the influence of alcohol and disappears as soon as the consumer is sober.
With increasing blood alcohol levels (BAC), all of the above become increasingly pronounced

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Effects of Alcohol on the Limbic System

Limbic system primary function is majorly to control memory and state of emotion. There is always serious memory lose among most people consuming alcohol alongside the experience of an exaggerated state of emotion. It should be noted that limbic system consists of the hippocampus and the septal regions which are the easy targets of alcohol.

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Effects of Alcohol on the Cerebellum

The primary function of cerebellum is the coordination of muscle movement which is a soft spot for alcohol abuse.
The excessive consumption of alcohol reduces the effective coordination of the muscles and motor skills are reduced.
In most cases when the coordination of muscles is affected then the individual may lose balance and can even fall down.
The difference between cortex and cerebellum is that cortex initiates muscle movement while cerebellum creates nerve impulses which control ones balance and body movements.
Additional parts of the brain affected by alcohol are the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.
Increased alcohol consumption can cause increased sexual desires.
Alcohol depresses the nerve centers in the hypothalamus that determine sexual arousal and performance so despite this increased sexual desire, the consumer actual sexual performance may decline.
It infiltrates the pituitary gland by inhibiting secretion of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), which effects urine excretion.
ADH works with the kidneys to reabsorb toxins in the body. When inhibited, ADH levels drop and reduce the kidney’s ability to reabsorb water necessary to produce a healthy amount of urine. This malady can cause problems on a sexual level.

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Effects of Alcohol on the Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland

Additional parts of the brain affected by alcohol are the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.
Increased alcohol consumption can cause increased sexual desires.
Alcohol depresses the nerve centers in the hypothalamus that determine sexual arousal and performance so despite this increased sexual desire, the consumer actual sexual performance may decline.
It infiltrates the pituitary gland by inhibiting secretion of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), which effects urine excretion.

ADH works with the kidneys to reabsorb toxins in the body. When inhibited, ADH levels drop and reduce the kidney’s ability to reabsorb water necessary to produce a healthy amount of urine. This malady can cause problems on a sexual level

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Effects of Alcohol on the Medulla

This is the part of the brain that influences the functions of the body that takes place automatically like the heartbeat, body temperature and breathing.
Alcohol will affect this section by causing the person to feel sleepy.
Excessive consumption of alcohol will not only cause the person to be unconscious but can also be very fatal.

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Consumption

Most side effects from alcohol occur after drinking just one time. Unfortunately, alcohol consumption practiced in excess over an extended period of time can create much more serious problems for the brain than minor infractions. For example, if an individual develops an addiction to alcohol, their chances of developing a thiamine deficiency are doubled. In more severe or advanced cases of alcohol dependency, a brain disorder called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), also known as “wet brain”, may develop. WKS is a disease that consists of two different syndromes. The first is a short-lived and severe condition called Wernicke’s encephalopathy and the second is a long-lasting critical condition known as Korsakoff’s psychosis. Symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy include mental confusion, paralysis of nerves behind the eyeballs, and decreased motor function.

In addition to Wernicke’s encephalopathy it is believed that approximately 80 to 90 percent of alcoholics will also develop Korsakoff’s psychosis, a chronic and debilitating syndrome characterized by persistent learning and memory problems. Patients suffering from Korsakoff’s psychosis are forgetful, quickly frustrated and have difficulty with walking and coordination. Despite having difficulty remembering information from the alcoholic’s past, it is their struggle retaining new information that is most striking. For example, an individual may be able to discuss an event in their lives with great detail, but an hour later forgets ever having the conversation.

In conclusion alcohol is a toxin that destructs the human body in high doses and over time. It has a risk of addiction or dependency. It impairs judgment and shifts the body’s originating physicality caution should be exercised when and if consumption of alcoholic beverages is involved. You now know the consequences of alcohol addiction and more so to the brain. Do not let this bring you down if it is already a problem in your life there is help around you at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care where focus is on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. You need your brain to live and alcohol cannot be the reasons why you’re losing it reach out for help and from the experts.

Alcohol addiction on the Brain-Specific Effects on the Brain

Obstacles of Alcoholism treatment

April 22, 2014

Obstacles of Alcoholism treatment-Drinking problems and denial

With alcohol abuse you can never be safe. Run from it and escape its result which is being alcoholic and suffer from alcoholism

Denial is one of the biggest obstacles to getting help for alcohol abuse and alcoholism. The desire to drink is so strong that the mind finds many ways to rationalize drinking, even when the consequences are obvious. By keeping you from looking honestly at your behavior and its negative effects, denial also exacerbates alcohol-related problems with work, finances, and relationships.

If you have a drinking problem, you may deny it by:

Drastically underestimating how much you drink
Downplaying the negative consequences of your drinking
Complaining that family and friends are exaggerating the problem
Blaming your drinking or drinking-related problems on others

For example, you may blame an ‘unfair boss’ for trouble at work or a ‘nagging wife’ for your marital issues, rather than look at how your drinking is contributing to the problem. While work, relationship, and financial stresses happen to everyone, an overall pattern of deterioration and blaming others may be a sign of trouble.

If you find yourself rationalizing your drinking habits, lying about them, or refusing to discuss the subject, take a moment to consider why you’re so defensive. If you truly believe you don’t have a problem, there should be no reason for you to cover up your drinking or make excuses.

Effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse

Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can affect all aspects of your life. Long-term alcohol use can cause serious health complications, affecting virtually every organ in your body, including your brain. Problem drinking can also damage your emotional stability, finances, career, and your ability to build and sustain satisfying relationships. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can also have an impact on your family, friends and the people you work with.

The effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse on the people you love

Despite the potentially lethal damage that heavy drinking does to the body including cancer, heart problems, and liver disease the social consequences can be just as devastating. Alcoholics and alcohol abusers are much more likely to get divorced, have problems with domestic violence, struggle with unemployment, and live in poverty.

But even if you’re able to succeed at work or hold your marriage together, you can’t escape the effects that alcoholism and alcohol abuse has on your personal relationships. Drinking problems put an enormous strain on the people closest to you.

Often, family members and close friends feel obligated to cover for the person with the drinking problem. So they take on the burden of cleaning up your messes, lying for you, or working more to make ends meet. Pretending that nothing is wrong and hiding away all of their fears and resentments can take an enormous toll. Children are especially sensitive and can suffer long-lasting emotional trauma when a parent or caretaker is an alcoholic or heavy drinker.

Getting help for alcoholism or alcohol abuse

If you’re ready to admit you have a drinking problem, you’ve already taken the first step. It takes tremendous strength and courage to face alcohol abuse and alcoholism head on. Reaching out for support is the second step.

Whether you choose to go to rehab, rely on self-help programs, get therapy, or take a self-directed treatment approach, support is essential. Recovering from alcohol addiction is much easier when you have people you can lean on for encouragement, comfort, and guidance. Without support, it’s easy to fall back into old patterns when things get tough.

Your continued recovery depends on continuing mental health treatment, learning healthier coping strategies, and making better decisions when dealing with life’s challenges. In order to stay alcohol-free for the long term, you’ll also have to face the underlying problems that led to your alcoholism or alcohol abuse in the first place.

Those problems could be depression, an inability to manage stress, an unresolved trauma from your childhood, or any number of mental health issues. Such problems may become more prominent when you’re no longer using alcohol to cover them up. But you will be in a healthier position to finally address them and seek the help you need.

Helping a loved one with alcoholism or alcohol abuse

If someone you love has a drinking problem, you may be struggling with a number of painful emotions, including shame, fear, anger, and self-blame. The problem may be so overwhelming that it seems easier to ignore it and pretend that nothing is wrong. But in the long run denying it will be more damaging to you, other family members, and the person with the drinking problem. So then what shouldn’t you do?

Don’t attempt to punish, threaten, bribe, or preach.
Don’t try to be a martyr. Avoid emotional appeals that may only increase feelings of guilt and the compulsion to drink or use other drugs.
Don’t cover up or make excuses for the alcoholic or problem drinker or shield them from the realistic consequences of their behavior.
Don’t take over their responsibilities, leaving them with no sense of importance or dignity.
Don’t hide or dump bottles, throw out drugs, or shelter them from situations where alcohol is present.
Don’t argue with the person when they are impaired.
Don’t try to drink along with the problem drinker.
Above all, don’t feel guilty or responsible for another’s behavior.

Dealing with a loved one’s alcohol problem can be an emotional rollercoaster. It’s vital that you take care of yourself and get the support you need. It’s also important to have people you can talk honestly and openly with about what you’re going through.

A good place to start is by joining a group such as Al-Anon, a free peer support group for families coping with alcoholism. Listening to others with the same challenges can be a tremendous source of comfort and support. You can also turn to trusted friends, a therapist, or people in your faith community.

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.

When your teen has a drinking problem

Discovering your child is drinking can generate fear, confusion, and anger in parents. It’s important to remain calm when confronting your teen, and only do so when everyone is sober. Explain your concerns and make it clear that your concern comes from a place of love. It’s important that your teen feels you are supportive.
Five steps parents can take:

Lay down rules and consequences: Your teen should understand that drinking alcohol comes with specific consequences. But don’t make hollow threats or set rules that you cannot enforce. Make sure your spouse agrees with the rules and is prepared to enforce them.
Monitor your teen’s activity: Know where your teen goes and who he or she hangs out with. Remove or lock away alcohol from your home and routinely check potential hiding places for alcohol in backpacks, under the bed, between clothes in a drawer, for example. Explain to your teen that this lack of privacy is a consequence of him or her having been caught using alcohol.
Encourage other interests and social activities: Expose your teen to healthy hobbies and activities, such as team sports, Scouts, and afterschool clubs.
Talk to your child about underlying issues: Drinking can be the result of other problems. Is your child having trouble fitting in? Has there been a recent major change, like a move or divorce, which is causing stress?
Get outside help: You don’t have to go it alone. Teenagers often rebel against their parents but if they hear the same information from a different authority figure, they may be more inclined to listen. Try seeking help from a sports coach, family doctor, therapist, or counselor.

We have been together trying to understand the real effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse and from the discussion it’s clear that this substance is a time bomb waiting to explode. Before it does you need to take percussions to be safe and your loved once. I want to make worthy recommendation to you that an expert opinion in all this will be very important. Seek help from doctor Dalal Akoury who is an expert in all sorts of addiction and substance abuse. With her you shall have made several steps inside lasting solution which is your ultimate goal.

Obstacles of Alcoholism treatment-Drinking problems and denial

Tag Archives: Health and alcoholism