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Alcohol

"We admitted we were powerless
over alcohol -- that our lives
had become unmanageable."

Some form of alcoholism affects nearly everyone and can manifest itself in many ways. Some people drink constantly and seem always to be a "little tipsy" but never overtly drunk. Others get drunk often enough to generate complaints from those around them due to their behavior.

Often, those who would not ordinarily consider themselves as having an alcohol problem, find that they can rarely stop drinking once they have begun and consequently get very high or drunk whenever they drink even though it may not seem to happen all that often.

The symptoms of alcoholism vary. Sometimes alcohol can bring about severe behavior problems such as fighting, child or spouse abuse, loss of employment and even depression.

Treatment for alcoholism invariably begins with the initiation of sobriety. This is usually initiated by the alcoholic himself since the only person who can stop one from drinking is the person who drinks. Detox programs are sometimes utilized and AA is nearly always recommended. Psychotherapy usually occurs in different stages, the initial stage focusing on attaining and maintaining sobriety. After sobriety is achieved, a more exploratory experience can be initiated during which the emotional causes and/or ramifications of excessive drinking can be addressed.

The key to alcoholism is loss of control although that loss can be subtle. If you suspect that you or someone you know has alcohol related issues try the following quick test:

1. Do people who know you question your drinking?
2. Do you drink every day?
3. Do you often get drunk when you drink?
4. Do you have any DWI's on you driver license?
5. Does your personality change when you drink?
6. Do you wake up with the "shakes" after a night out?
7. Do you "need" an eye-opener to get going in the morning?
8. Do you often wish you had drank less at lunch or the night before?
9. Do you often wish you hadn't spent so much money on alcohol?
10. Would a recovered alcoholic say yes if you asked whether you had a problem with alcohol?

If you can answer yes to any of the above questions you may wish to consider the possibility that you suffer from some form of alcoholism.