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 »
Jun
03
2008
These days one hears the phrase life coach or life strategist used a fair bit. People from all walks of life tend to need some personal development as they proceed with their life’s journey. Whether it is for their career path, personal improvement and health concerns, they believe a personal coach will help their development. Those folks that can’t afford the real thing will cruise the aisles in bookstores for just the right self help book for their particular shortcoming.
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May
30
2008
“Magic Bullet” Requires Commitment and Ongoing Consultative Therapy
Breaking an alcoholic or problem drinker’s resistance to treatment is a critical dilemma that many have experienced. Medical experts have developed drugs to treat the symptoms of withdrawal, the cravings that drive so many to drink and the depression that so often is related to alcoholism. The medical community is far better equipped today to deal with harmful alcohol addictions then anytime in history. Yet the struggle to accept the fact that a serious problem exists is still preventing millions from seeking help.
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May
27
2008
So you’ve decided to take the pledge. Or maybe you just decided it’s time you started controlling your alcohol consumption better.Congratulations!
There are some simple steps to take that will make it easier for you to reach your goal of modified or total abstention from drinking. Your compulsion to drink could become obsessive in the early stages, washing over you in waves like wild surf.
If your spouse is still drinking, even socially, watching as they nurse their drink like a child with their first ice cream cone of summer makes it worse. At this crucial time in your recovery, your spouse should abstain from drinking in front of you until you are better able to deal with others drinking around you. Continue Reading »
May
22
2008
Alcoholics are renowned for being stubborn people who could use a healthy dose of modesty. Being humble is not on their radar. There is no standard template that defines ALL alcoholics, but they do share many qualities, most of which they’d be advised not to brag about. The most compelling character trait of most alcoholics is their selfishness. I’m speaking of selfish behavior that occurs before they do something about their drinking.
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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
16
2008
If you were diagnosed with a health problem like high blood pressure and your doctor told you needed to exercise more, eat right, quit smoking and take a particular medication religiously or else you won’t last long, you’d get serious no? Why would treating your excessive drinking be any different?
If left untreated, your abusive drinking will only get worse and eventually kill you just as surely as if you ignored your physician regarding high blood pressure. The only difference is alcohol will be a painfully slow demise littered with familial collateral damage caused by your inability or selfish refusal to formulate and stick to plan of recovery.
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May
12
2008
It took me a good six months before I enjoyed my first morning of freedom from alcohol and a feeling of well being that told me the hard part was over.
Some take longer and some less time to feel the initial stirring of serenity and peace flow through their bodies. There is a slight feeling of anticipation tempered by a subtle anxiousness because of the unknowns you will face. You’ve waited so long for this feeling, others have talked about it and you’ve witnessed how some recovering alcoholics seem to beam when they speak about their new lives.
When you stop drinking you will be able to enjoy many things once again, things you used to do without even thinking twice. Chances are you will never take life’s simple pleasures for granted again.
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May
09
2008
The healing process takes many forms when recovering from alcohol abuse. Some alcoholics need to recover physically before they can start the really important phase of their recovery, which is re-connecting with those people who have been hurt because of their excessive drinking. For many recovering alcoholics they must start ALL forms of emotionally healing right out of the ‘recuperative’ gate.
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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 »