Alcoholism A Disease A
Alcoholism is a common and socially
acceptable disease prevalent in many parts
of the world including North America. 76 million
Americans living in the United States
suffer from alcoholism or know somebody who does. Alcohol is socially
acceptable because of the money and government
taxes it brings in. It is a 400-billion-dollar
industry! But it is damaging and often help is not offered to those
who need it.
Alcohol is chemically addictive
and changes your perception of the world. Some people are more easily addicted to it than other. Having in excess of 3 drinks a night is a sign of alcoholism, as well as needing to be
drunk or ordering two drinks at once. The surest sign is that it causes you or
your family financial or psychological hardship. Know when to stop and enlist your friends and spouse
to help you combat the power of addiction and the symptoms of withdrawal. Try
studying stress relief techniques or joining a class or support group. Be
aware that your alcoholism may be affecting those around you. Gently bring it up and ask them directly. Do
not expect your children to cope with your habit, and do not offer alcohol to
minors. Try to start something new to replace the hours spent drinking. Be
active, and occupy yourself – watching TV will make you want to drink more because you will be sedentary. Join a
class or a sport, do something creative, or go out with friends. What about
the social aspect of drinking? Often people drink because their friends are
drinking. Try meeting them earlier in the day, for breakfast or lunch or for a weekend. Have a nice dinner or see a
movie. Try going to places that don’t offer alcohol. Alcohol is an expensive
vice. It can cost thousands of dollars a year. Estimate how many drinks you have every month or year and calculate the cost. Divide it into 3: one third will be your new
entertainment budget and you may find that it goes a great deal farther than
before. Try to include friends or family you may have ignored previously due to your drinking. One
third should be rolled into household and living costs, as many alcoholics spend more
money than they can afford on drinking. One third should go into a savings
account towards a rainy day. Fighting alcoholism has lasting benefits and rewards, especially for your
emotional and physical health. Good luck!
Alcoholism A
Disease
Raging Alcoholic
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