Confronting Alcohol Abuse

by Ed Philips

Abusing alcohol and other substances is a big problem out there and if you are one of them then I am afraid that you are suffering from substance abuse. It is an expensive problem in more ways than one as it also effects family, friends and work colleagues. The latest statistics show that substance abuse causes an amazing 100,000 deaths per year and that’s just in the US and Canada.

Alcohol is on top of the list of drugs most abused by kids between the ages of 12 and 17, in other words minors. The most common cause of death in teenagers are motor accidents due to excessive alcohol, although other resulting behavior patterns include high-risk sexual habits, getting poor grades or low job performance, the use of tobacco products and experimenting with illegal drugs.

If the truth is to be known alcohol or drugs are just a result of the kids being depressed, which is even more common in our over rated society. The problem of alcohol abuse becomes a reality when it begins to interfere with your daily life and you performance is way down. When we refer to alcoholism it is the eventual step of feeling physically or emotionally dependent on alcohol just to get through another day.

Alcohol abuse patterns vary. Some people get drunk every day; others drink large amounts of alcohol at specific times, such as on the weekend. It is common for someone with an alcohol or drug problem to call in sick for work on Monday or Friday.

He or she may complain of having a virus or the flu. Others may be sober for long periods and then go on a drinking binge that lasts for weeks or months. Someone with alcohol dependence may suffer serious withdrawal symptoms, such as trembling, delusions, hallucinations, and sweating, if he or she stops drinking suddenly (”cold turkey”). Once alcohol dependence develops, it becomes very difficult to stop drinking without outside help. Medical detoxification may be needed.

When somebody actually decides to challenge an alcoholic it is never straight forward. One good bit of advice though is to handle the situation whilst he or she are sober and not under the influence of alcohol.

This initial contact is ofter referred to as an intervention and needs to be tackled with forward planning according to the experts in this field. You will be probably get your best advice from a recognized organization such as Alcoholics Anonymous, who have been advising families for many decades now.

Also, prior to confronting an alcoholic, you should check with the person’s doctor or a specialist in treating alcoholic disorders to determine how to prepare yourself and any others who might be helping you to confront a drinker about whom you are concerned. We have listed nine tips that may be helpful in preparing for an intervention at the stopdrinking.org blog which will be a great place to start.

About the Author:

Discover how to Stop Drinking Alcohol In 21 Days - Guaranteed by blog owner Ed Philips and Forget Alcohol Today.