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Alcohol
and Substance Abuse |
Alcohol
is the most heavily abused drug in our society. This drug destroys
the lives of millions of Americans each year. Because it is legally
and socially accepted, many assume it to be safe. How safe can it
really be if there are an estimated 10 million alcoholics in the United
States?
Alcohol abuse is a devastating problem affecting every area of a person's
life including his or her job, relationships with family and friends,
finances, sexual performance as well as legal problems such as being
arrested for driving while intoxicated.
It is often difficult for the person who is drinking to be aware of
an alcohol problem. Frequently he or she may be in a state of "denial"
or refuse to acknowledge that the drinking is out of control. Below
are some common signs of an alcohol problem that you may use to identify
someone who is abusing alcohol.
SYMPTOMS:
* turning
to alcohol when there is a problem
* hiding or sneaking alcohol
* someone asking you if you've ever had a drinking problem
* "blackouts," memory loss or forgetfulness
* drinking in the morning or during lunch hour
* unable to cut down or stop drinking
* legal difficulties |
* repeated
efforts to control or reduce excess drinking by "going
on the wagon" or limiting drinking to a certain time of
day
* binges or benders lasting several days
* violence or acting temperamental when intoxicated
* absence or tardiness from work
* arguments with family or friends due to drinking |
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Besides
looking for signs of alcohol abuse, another way to identify a drinking
problem is to ask yourself these five questions listed below. A "yes"
answer indicates a need to seek professional help.
1. Do you or someone you love turn to alcohol to solve life's problems?
2. Have you ever found hidden bottles of alcohol in bizarre places
such as your car, work or closets?
3. Are you or someone you know unable to stop after that second or
third drink?
4. Do you rationalize a reason for every episode of drinking?
5. Do you have a drink in the morning to get going?
The staff at BriefCounseling can help you or someone you know. You need
not battle the problem alone. The staff at BriefCounseling is ready to
help you. Call now.
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