Make Love Work

Denny is a fifteen-year-old youth who has eventually made up his mind that he needs to go and see his physician about his abusive and excessive drinking. At first, Denny thought he would be able to basically go on the world wide web, look for some straightforward alcohol info and come to a decision whether or not he was dependent on alcohol.

Not surprisingly, he discovered a number of websites that spelled out some of the commonplace alcoholism symptoms. That’s the good news. The less than encouraging news, regrettably, was that Denny manifested more than a few of these alcoholism symptoms.

Alcohol Dependency Symptoms Revisited

As an illustration, Denny has been drinking quite a bit more than usual and he has started to have more heated disagreements with the female he is dating. Moreover, for the first time in his young life he has been encountering sleeping issues. In a similar manner, Denny regularly has felt depressed and on a growing basis he has been demonstrating less than normal concentration at school. Furthermore, he has felt stressed out and more edgy on a day-to-day basis and for the past four or five months he has displayed cloudy thinking in the classroom. Due to the fact that Denny has been demonstrating all of these symptoms, he was excusably worried about his excessive and abusive drinking.

So Denny decided to place a phone call to his healthcare professional and schedule an appointment. As a matter of fact, this was tough for Denny because his physician was also his parents’ physician. The basis for his anxiety was this: at the risk of embarrassing his family, he had to go and make known his abusive drinking behavior to his doctor.

When Denny arrived at the family healthcare practitioner’s office, he overtly told the healthcare practitioner about the apprehension he has about his hazardous drinking behavior. When the family healthcare practitioner asked what was prompting this consternation, Denny articulated that he had gone on the Internet and read about dependency on alcohol and especially about alcoholism symptoms. He then mentioned all of the alcohol addiction symptoms that he clearly thought he exhibits.

An Inclusive Physical Assessment and Outpatient Alcohol Rehabilitation

The doctor told Denny that it was smart of him to deal with his drinking problems, he gave Denny an in depth physical evaluation, and suggested that he talk to his Mom and Dad about going into an out-patient alcohol rehabilitation program that was supervised by Doctor Devor, one of his doctor friends who is an alcohol dependency and alcohol abuse specialist.

In much the same way, when Denny mentioned that he has been feeling depressed more frequently, the family healthcare practitioner notified Denny that alcoholism and depression on a fairly regular basis crop up in the same individual. Consequently, the physician also suggested that Denny talk to his Mother and Father about obtaining counseling to concentrate on his depression. In fact, Denny can go to the local mental health facility and make an appointment with Doctor Alessie, a celebrated psychologist who specializes in treating adolescents.

The Value of Addressing Your Drinking Problems and Getting Enthused About Making Healthy and Positive Changes in Your Life

The family physician made it a point to inform Denny that he might not necessarily be dependent on alcohol, but that he was clearly drinking in an excessive manner. Stated more explicitly, Denny was engaging in teen alcohol abuse. The doctor then notified Denny that the reason he suggested alcohol treatment in the first place was because he wanted him to sort out his drinking problems, make sure that he prevented them from worsening, and start to live in a more healthy manner, even if it meant that he had to entirely stop drinking.

In short, by successfully treating his problem drinking, Denny would be able to get his problem drinking under control and quit the negative sequence of events that could most likely lead to alcohol dependency.

Denny justifiably did not look forward to facing his parents about his depression and his drinking issues. And he unquestionably did not want to face the thought of getting admitted into an alcohol treatment program. And finally, he was not overjoyed about going to a counseling psychologist about his sense of gloom. Irrespective of these apprehensions, nevertheless, Denny actually experienced some emotional relief for the first time in many months because in the end he quit making excuses for himself and at long last made up his mind that he needed to do something constructive about his excessive and careless drinking. And it was clear that this decision helped to enhance his personal success and self esteem and enhance his friendships and relationships.

Jerry and Sarah have been married for seven years. They wanted to have some fun and excitement before they made up their minds to have a family and so they intentionally developed an incredibly dynamic social life.

The key problem, it needs to be stressed, is that nearly everything they do with their family and friends somehow involves drinking. As an illustration, all of the dinner engagements, happy hours, family get-togethers, parties with friends, and sporting events they patronize somehow involve drinking.

Jerry and Sarah Begin to Perceive Some Instantly Recognizable Alcohol Related Difficulties That Come From Their Hazardous Drinking

If they were moderate drinkers, this wouldn’t be a major problem. Due to the fact they drink quite heavily, nonetheless, they are starting to become aware of some noticeable alcohol-related issues in their lives.

As an illustration, just a week ago Jerry got a third DUI and has been ignoring responsibilities at work due to alcohol-related health problems. Moreover, Jerry’s last two performance evaluations at the office have been less than admirable and he has begun to forget what he does or says when he drinks. Finally, Jerry has been having sleep-related problems and his family has begun to exhibit some uneasiness about his drinking situation.

Similar to Jerry’s circumstances, Sarah has been feeling down in the dumps about life and to cope with this, she has been drinking more frequently than any time in the past three years. Furthermore, Sarah has been getting quite a few painful migraines and having intense hangovers due to her drinking. Lastly, Sarah has been feeling substantially less energetic when she awakens in the morning, she has been getting to work late at least every other day, and she has been getting some harsh criticism from her friends, coworkers, relatives, and family members about her hazardous drinking.

Watching the TV and Flipping the Channels and Discovering A TV Special About the Signs of Alcoholism

One Friday evening while watching the television, Jerry and Sarah stumbled upon a special documentary about the signs of alcoholism.

This TV special was a real eye opener to Sarah and Jerry because many of the alcoholism signs that were emphasized appeared as if they were unwaveringly related to many of the alcohol-related drinking problems Jerry and Sarah had been suffering through.

A Candid Dialogue About Drinking Situations Brings to Light Alcohol Related Legal, Health, Financial, Relationship, and Employment Problems

After watching the TV program, Sarah and Jerry arrived at a decision to have an open chat about their drinking activities. They both were in agreement that most, if not all, of their social activities had something to do with drinking, that they were drinking excessively, and that as a couple, they were beginning to make note of alcohol related health, legal, relationship, financial, and employment problems for the first time since they were married.

With thoughts of the TV program still running through her mind, Sarah asked Jerry if some of the alcohol dependency signs they have been exhibiting could be an indication that they are alcohol dependent or possibly becoming alcohol dependent. Jerry didn’t know the answer to Sarah’s inquiry and so he recommended that they make an appointment with one of the therapists at the local drug and alcohol abuse rehabilitation clinic to find out more about the severity of their drinking difficulties.

Coming to Grips With Your Drinking Problems Might Reduce Your Anxiety and Give You A Sense of Calm

Strangely enough, even though their drinking situation hadn’t yet changed, it was evident that Jerry and Sarah were at the very least concentrating on their drinking problems, they were enthusiastic about finding out more about their drinking behavior, and they were interested in learning how they could substantially decrease or get rid of the alcohol-related problems that had started to intensify.

An Increased Sense of Commitment and Communication

When Jerry and Sarah went to bed that evening, they determined that the next afternoon, Jerry would call and schedule an appointment for both of them at the substance abuse rehabilitation facility located just North of the State Capital. After they made a promise to one another that they would do whatever it takes to overcome the drinking problems that had emerged in their lives, they truly had the best night’s sleep they could recollect in the last three years.

Just before he fell asleep, Jerry turned to Sarah and observed how effortless it is to lower one’s sense of dread and truly experience a sense of calm by facing one’s problems with personal integrity and coming to a decision to do something positive about them. Isn’t it amazing how one’s communication and commitment improve when difficulties are faced rather than sweeping them under the rug?

When I was in the tenth grade in high school, I registered for a drug abuse class. At that time, I did not realize that alcohol abuse actually was a sub classification of drug abuse. While taking this class and learning more about drug and alcohol abuse and above all about alcohol side effects, I read a lot about Alcoholic Anonymous, their meetings, how their programs have twelve steps, and how successful the Alcoholics Anonymous recovery program has been for individuals all over the world. I also learned a lot about alcohol rehab and the various alcohol rehab clinics that are frequently available to individuals who engage in heavy drinking.

Damaging Results That are Correlated With Alcohol Dependency and Alcohol Abuse

Some of the dangerous consequences linked to alcoholism and alcohol abuse that I learned about in this class absolutely worried me. The ruined lives and frequent serious issues experienced by most alcohol addicted people made me feel like I never wanted to drink alcohol when I became old enough. In short, I did not want to face the wreckage and destruction that alcohol dependent individuals almost always encounter.

Reflect on this for a moment. What fifteen-year-old teenager wants to face premature death due to his or her drinking behavior? What young person wants to become so out-of-control regarding his or her drinking that ingesting alcohol becomes the object of one’s life? What teen wants to go to one of the local alcoholic rehabilitation centers to deal with alcohol-related issues before he or she becomes twenty-one?

What youth wants to experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms when he or she tries to quit drinking? Why would an individual engage in drinking to such an extent that it would cause difficulties in every area of his or her life? Drinking later in life after an individual has a career, a family, and develops personal responsibilities makes sense. But why would a teenager want to sacrifice his or her education, employment, finances, and relationships for a life that revolves around irresponsible drinking?

These issues were so important that I talked about some of them in class throughout the school year. What was downright astounding to me was the number of students who essentially didn’t care about the damaging results of abusive drinking that I discussed. It was almost as if they couldn’t be troubled with reality and how these consequences can demolish their lives. For the first time in my life I started to comprehend a saying that my grandfather used to say to me all through my adolesence: you can lead a horse to water but you can’t force it to drink.

It’s Invigorating, Important, and Beneficial to Keep Away From the Unhealthy and Debilitating Outcomes of Alcohol and Drug Abuse

And even at my young age, I also began to comprehend how liberating, beneficial, and important it is in life to keep away from the unhealthy and destructive outcomes of drug and alcohol abuse. Understandably, comprehending this not only led to various problems and conflicts in high school but also led to enhanced friendships and relationships.

It is remarkable to mention something that family members who have been adversely affected by the alcoholism of another family member obviously do not realize. It seems that by protecting the alcohol dependent person with untruths and dishonesty to those outside the family, these well-intentioned family members have in essence created a situation that makes it easier for the alcohol addicted individual to continue and move forward with his or her negative, detrimental style of life.

Clearly, instead of helping the alcohol dependent individual and themselves, these family members have in fact become enablers who have involuntarily helped negatively affect the alcohol dependent person’s drinking problem even more.

Perhaps the real downside of this is that the alcoholic will continue drinking in an abusive and excessive manner and experience a variety of “alcohol side effects.” Some of these side effects include deteriorating relationships, employment difficulties, ill health, diminished mental functioning, serious financial problems, and legal issues (such as getting arrested for one or more DWIs).

The Chances of a Relapse are Real

According to the research findings and statistics on alcohol dependency, another key alcoholism issue involves alcohol relapses. Relapses take place when an alcohol addicted individual has effectively undergone alcohol dependency rehab and then returns to drinking a number of weeks or months later. At first thought, this circumstance flies in the face of rational thinking and seems so improbable that it forces one to wonder why anyone who has gone through the awfulness of alcoholism can return to drinking a short while after effective alcohol rehabilitation and in turn after attaining recovery. There are, for sure, numerous likely reasons for this.

It should be noted, nevertheless that alcoholism research that has focused on the lasting consequences of alcohol addiction has demonstrated-proven that long after the alcoholic has halted his or her drinking, critical modifications in the way in which the alcoholic’s brain operates are still present. As a result, all a recovering alcoholic has to do to involve himself or herself in actions that correspond with the changes that have come about in the brain is to start drinking once again.

The Necessity for A Significant Lifestyle Transformation

There are additional reasons why several recovering alcohol addicted persons return to drinking a few weeks or a few months after reaching sobriety. In accordance to the alcohol dependency research literature, to make an effective recovery, the alcohol addicted individual needs new ways of reacting and thinking in order to deal more effectively with taxing alcohol-related situations that will take place.

Circumstances such as returning to the same alcohol addictive environment or to the same geographic location; interacting once again with friends from the time when the alcoholic was drinking in a hazardous manner; or familiar songs, smells, or activities—all of these circumstances can bring about memories that can trigger psychological stress or push hot buttons that influence the recovering alcoholic to engage in excessive drinking once again. Unfortunately, all of these circumstances may not only work against long-term alcohol recovery for the alcoholic but they can also result in relapse and thus cancel out one’s sobriety.

The Good News: There’s Light at the End of the Tunnel

In an attempt to “protect” the family’s alcohol dependent person, family members can essentially cause inadvertent damage by enabling the harmful drinking behavior of the alcohol dependent person.

The addiction research literature validates the fact that most people who effectively complete alcohol treatment experience at least one relapse. Alcohol addicted persons and their family members need to know this so that they do not get crestfallen or overwhelmed when a relapse takes place.

Luckily, participation in support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and follow-up treatment and education have resulted in more productive, long standing alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction rehab outcomes, have helped decrease alcohol relapses, and have helped recovering alcoholics attain long standing alcohol recovery.

For several years alcoholism exploration has revealed the fact that there is strong relationship between alcoholism and critical health conditions and mental health issues such as depression.

As an illustration, in 2005, scientific research and alcohol abuse and alcoholism statistics showed that alcohol abuse and alcoholism cost the United States an estimated $220 billion annually. It may be noted that this very large alcohol-related expenditure was significantly more than the cost linked with cancer ($196 billion) or with obesity ($133 billion). While it is important to give emphasis to these facts, it is also important to emphasize the point that an interrelationship exists between all three of these health conditions.

More precisely, chronic alcohol abuse and alcoholism are also highly associated with obesity and with cancer.

Definitely, substance abuse investigation has shown that alcohol addiction can boost the risk for different forms of cancer, particularly cancer of the colon, voice box (larynx), liver, rectum, throat, kidneys, and the esophagus. Hazardous and repetitive drinking can also lead to immune system issues and deformity to the fetus during pregnancy.

Excessive and Irresponsible Drinking Deteriorates the Individual’s Systems and Organs

Furthermore, if alcohol dependency continues over a period of years, the individual’s body organs will more likely than not be affected in a harmful manner. For instance, chronic, hazardous drinking is particularly hurtful to the liver since the liver does most of the work of processing the alcohol that has been ingested. Unwarranted amounts of alcohol kills liver cells and eradicates the ability of liver cells to redevelop. This condition results in a progressive inflammatory disease of the liver that can in the long run lead to cirrhosis of the liver, a serious and potentially incurable disease. Heavy, long-term drinking not only can lead to dangerous liver damage, but it can also result in damage to the heart and to the brain. Physical damage this serious may be unalterable and may, in turn, result in severe disease or an untimely death.

The Significance of Alcohol Rehab

It is imperative, consequently, to know how to recognize the different alcoholism symptoms and the “alcohol signs” so that the alcoholic can be given the opportunity to seek the quality alcohol therapy he or she requires.

Alcohol Dependency and Technologically Advanced Brain Exploration

Fortuitously, medical exploration is constantly uncovering novel and significant information. Recent alcoholism exploration offers an excellent example. More accurately, for approximately the last ten years, sophisticated brain-imaging scanning devices have verified that repetitive and chronic excessive drinking transforms the makeup of the brain to a substantial extent, consequently resulting in brain disease that can last months, years, or conceivably as long as the person exists.

More specifically, medical investigation has revealed that people who have been drinking excessively for a substantial length of time increase their risk for developing long lasting and substantial modifications in the brain.

This type of damage may be directly related to severe liver disease, to the alcohol’s effects on the brain, or might be indirectly associated with the drinker’s poor overall health.

Mental Disorders, Malnutrition, and Hazardous Drinking

As a final illustration of different medical problems that are to a great extent correlated to alcoholism, take into account the fact that in accordance with medical examination, the excessive and repeated abuse of alcohol can lead to erosive gastritis, a medical condition that diminishes the absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

This kind of organ breakdown is correlated with malnutrition and to a variety of acute mental and neurological syndromes including sleep disturbances, memory loss, and psychosis such as Wernicke’s Encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s syndrome. This latter medical problem is a long lasting incapacitating condition that is exemplified by continual memory and learning complications.

Abusive and Hazardous Drinking Also Leads to in Relationship and Friendship Problems

In addition to critical health problems, irresponsible and hazardous drinking also leads to friendship and relationship difficulties. For instance, people who have drinking problems routinely go through divorce, sexuality problems, affairs, and marital problems. In these circumstances instances it is important for the individual to get alcohol counseling so she or he can enhance his or her loving friendships and relationships.

Conclusion: The Importance of Education

It is obvious that continued, hazardous drinking is directly or indirectly associated with many acute medical problems that can and do lead to dangerous ailments and premature death. Such information needs to be emphasized and presented to everyone in our society, especially to all students, so that a massive amount of people will be able to refrain from abusive drinking while others who have a drinking problem will get the quality rehab they require.

Let us look at this practically. Yes, alcohol rehabilitation is significant, but alcohol rehab is something that is typically done AFTER the fact. Education, conversely, is something that is done BEFORE the problem materializes. Stated differently, whereas alcohol treatment is “reactive,” education is “proactive.” It is affirmed that both approaches are necessary when discussing alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency.