Jul
12
2008
As recovering alcoholics or problem drinkers, relapse is only a drink away.
That next drink will not be our last drink and our better judgment tells us this even if we disregard it. When we stop drinking, unless we follow a strict treatment and recovery regimen and remain vigilant, we could easily slip back into our old destructive habits. There are some warning signals we should be aware of that can alert us to a potential return to drinking behavior. Continue Reading »
Jun
30
2008
Problem drinkers and alcoholics all share one particular attribute and it is not something that should make them proud. The more they drink, the less they are in control of their faculties. On the face of it, this may not sound too serious and even sound obvious but a closer look reveals more.The inebriation aside, will you be able to remember what you say and do to those you meet? Where is the drinking taking place? Many problem drinkers specifically aren’t aware of the amount they are consuming at various social gatherings and so may not notice their behavior issues as others around them do. Simple observations by others in attendance can alert them to the fact you are drinking too much.
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Jun
26
2008
As silly as this statement might sounds it definitely can be true. There are those alcoholics who drink but don’t necessarily get drunk. They do not exhibit drunken behavior and actually function adequately in public. They are still at risk for alcohol related illnesses such as heart problems, liver disease or cancers but to look at them they may appear to be pretty well normal. These are very dangerous alcoholics. Continue Reading »
Jun
23
2008
Problem drinkers appreciate having a codependent [CD] person allied with them during their drinking spree. This codependent will unwittingly do whatever is necessary to assist the drinker in their pursuit of alcoholism, often at the expense of their own health and well-being. They will in effect, “run interference” for the problem drinker making sure everything appears copasetic to the outside world. Continue Reading »
Jun
18
2008
When it comes to alcohol abuse, there are no class divisions. Everyone is equally susceptible to the siren-like pull of its addiction. The drunkard on a bar stool each night drinking beer and shots after a shift cleaning other people’s offices is no different from the CEO of a bank drinking a three-martini lunch when it comes to alcohol dependence. The cure is the same for both, there isn’t one. Only a lifetime of vigilance, avoidance, abstinence or modified drinking behavior will help both alcoholics.The detoxification from the alcohol may be more or less severe depending on different factors; each will suffer through a withdrawal based on the severity of their dependence. Physical health will be equally affected, pre-existing conditions aside. Emotional factors may vary based on mental capacity and again any pre-existing mental impairment. Rehabilitation and level of care may show understandable differences based on the ability to pay. Obviously, there are financial considerations for available forms of treatment for one alcoholic over the other. Continue Reading »
Jun
16
2008
Edward had always wanted to enter politics at some stage of his life and now seemed like the timing might just be right. He had been a senior partner at his law firm for 5 years now and his political interests had soared during this time. His family was settled with his two children now in university and his wife seemingly content with her hobbies and pastimes. She would make a wonderful politician’s wife, she was photogenic, intelligent and people really liked her. Continue Reading »
Jun
11
2008
Each year in the United States more than 100,000 people die from drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. To put this into perspective, both the Korean war and the Vietnam war lasted a combined total of 13 years and there were 95,083 service personnel killed in action. Add in the current Iraqi war deaths for American service personnel for just over 5 years and you still don’t reach the yearly casualties of alcohol related deaths in the U.S. each and every year.
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Jun
09
2008
94% of the time they miss the diagnosis of alcoholism
If you have decided you’re going to do something about your alcohol problem, talking to your doctor about treatment will probably do some good. As long as you are frank and honest about your drinking problem your primary physician will likely assist you with the help you need to attain sobriety. However, if you expect your doctor to confront you about your drinking problem based on an examination with no input from you, chances are your drinking problem will go undiagnosed. Continue Reading »
May
20
2008
When you drink too much you barely realize that the alcohol you consume is slowly taking over your life. Sure it may feel good to over indulge and feel the high that comes with drinking more than the usual; it takes away the real world for a while and helps you to relax. In the church basements it’s said that if you enjoy the way you feel when drinking, you should be very careful where that could lead.
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May
05
2008
There is no doubt about it; alcohol is a very difficult addiction to control. Statistically 90% of people who receive treatment for alcohol abuse end up relapsing before their 4th sober year is complete. This is an astonishing number and testament to the firm grip this wily threat has on the vulnerable drinker. Continue Reading »