Put simply, the quickest test to alcohol addiction is if the person cannot go without a drink for two weeks. If you, or someone you suspect is addicted to alcohol and are ready to become healthy, free treatment programs are often available through your community, and some insurance companies may provide help with paid programs.
Historically, Alcoholics Anonymous ® (AA) 12 Steps is still the most successful alcohol treatment program. Click on the link below to connect with a local or similar program to AA.
Alcoholism is a known disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “There are approximately 79,000 deaths attributable to excessive alcohol use each year in the United States. This makes excessive alcohol use the 3rd leading lifestyle-related cause of death for the nation.”
If someone you know struggles with alcohol use, the first step is typically an intervention to let the alcoholic know that people who care are aware of the problem, even if he/she is not.
Interventions can be set up by your local treatment facility or hospital and are typically free. A successful intervention will result in the patient agreeing to treatment. If the patient (alcoholic) is still in denial and not ready to be helped then at least you have made him/her aware that it is no longer a secret and that you will get the support that you need through your local support group.
Adults, children and teens of Alcoholics are encouraged to attend support groups such as AL-ANON:
To find meetings locally call: 1-888-4AL-ANON (1-888-425-2666)
or visit their website: AL-ANON/AL-ATEEN.com.
Above all, remember that alcoholism is a disease. It is appropriate to speak of it as such with your children. Let them know that the disease makes it difficult for a person to stop drinking and that, in turn; people under the influence often behave in ways that can be frightening and hurtful. It confuses a child to see someone they love behave in an unloving way. Address this confusion. You may want to explain that loving someone does not mean we have to love or agree with a behavior.
Some useful books to help children cope with alcoholism:
“Think of Wind” by Catherine Mercury
“My Dad Loves Me, My Dad has a Disease” by Claudia Black
“I Can Talk about what Hurts” by Janet Sinberg
“Dinosaurs Divorce” by Marc Brown
Your local library or your child’s school counselor may help you find other titles. As always, books are a great way to safely introduce a subject, quell fears and send the message that your family is going to do what is necessary to get healthy and be safe.
Better yet, read a couple to your children then let them write their own!