Sunday, January 11, 2009

The Real Story

By Ed Philips

Alcoholism and alcohol abuse while in the same family are actually two different afflictions. A person with an alcohol abuse problem is many times called a "functioning alcoholic" and they suffer from many of the health related issues as alcoholics as a result of excessive drinking.

Alcohol abusers often operate under the radar as they appear normal in a crowd. They are clever enough to set their own alcohol intake limits, but their consumption is still much higher than that of what an average social drinker would consume.

On the other hand, alcoholics cannot put a limit on their alcohol consumption due to their addiction to alcohol manifesting itself both mentally and physically. The cycle escalates as the physical and mental addiction needs the alcohol and the alcohol further affects the physical and mental state. Alcoholics often need to drink throughout the day and do so as they can no longer control their need to drink.

Becoming alcohol free is possible for both the alcoholic and the person with an alcohol abuse problem but each is handled differently. Those with an alcohol abuse problem will need more assistance emotionally and psychologically whereas the alcoholic has the addition of the physical withdrawal challenges that they must face when working toward sobriety.

Recent studies carried out in universities seem to suggest that the increase in domestic violent acts could be related to alcoholism, although others have stated that the relation with alcohol may be misleading to the facts.

What we really can't ascertain is whether these domestic violence occurrences are the result of alcoholism or does the domestic violence causes the abuse of alcohol? Whatever the case may be, the fundamental fact is that alcohol is present and domestic violence is being experienced in too many family homes and many times on a daily basis. Any person in the situation can be the alcoholic or all involved can be addicted.

An alcoholic often wears blinders to the issues around them and do not see the truths of the situation. The first step for the alcoholic and their family is to admit that there is a problem because once the problem is admitted it can be dealt with. One idea to work toward this is to have a "family" style discussion toward a more positive future but limit alcohol being the only focus as it can lead to a violent end.

If any of these situations are familiar to you, be it in your own life or in someone else's that you know, the time has come to take action. There are many support groups and organizations available to give you the assistance you or they might need to overcome the alcohol related issues. You can find more information on the truth behind alcohol at the site StopDrinking. With courage and support you can make the first step to an alcohol free future.

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