Confronting An Alcoholic
Alcoholism is a socially acceptable disease in many ranks of our society. This may sound cold but the facts support it. Fifteen million people in the U.S. are alcohol dependant with a half-million of those being children between the ages of nine and twelve. It would be difficult for any sentient person not to know that alcohol is a problem. Science and medicine are not ignoring the problem, but society is.
Alcoholics are “unseen” because moderate to heavy drinking is considered the norm and expected in many parts of our society. Drinking on college campuses is not a hidden problem. The ramifications due to social acceptance of this addiction are staggering. It then becomes clear why so few people who need help are entered into an alcohol treatment program. Do you know someone who needs help? Have you bothered to help him?
Due to the acceptance of this disease, it becomes difficult for a person to suggest a friend or family member get professional help. It is an insult to the drinker who sees alcohol consumption as a socially accepted free-time activity. There is a natural tendency for people to avoid confrontation. Confronting the alcoholic can be difficult at best. If you care about the alcoholic, that confrontation must be considered.
There is one pertinent fact to remember that will take the sting out of confronting the alcoholic: if you face the alcoholic while he or she is under the influence, you are NOT speaking to the person. You are speaking to the drug. Your alcoholic friend did not throw the hurtful words. She did not insult you. The alcohol did.
Do you have a friend or relative that needs help? Then take the steps to make that happen. Get him to the professional that he needs and don’t let the foray of threats dissuade you from being there for the one captured by a drug he cannot conquer himself.
Tags: alcohol addiction, alcohol addiction rehabilitation, alcohol rehabilitation, Health, rehab