Published: September 06, 2008 10:37 pm         

Alcoholism: Don't ignore warning signs

Editor’s note: September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.



How it was discovered and why its production continued may never be known. However, history shows that people liked the buzz alcohol gave them. As far back as Noah and his ark, people have been drinking alcoholic beverages — and at times regretted the effects of having drunk too much (Genesis 9:20–27).

Drinking alcohol is not the problem. The problem is that sometimes bad things happen as a result of drinking alcohol. This article is about that.

Some people enjoy having their spirits lifted by a drink or two. But when the drinking becomes problematic, one needs to reassess what is happening and take steps to address the problems.

Too often a person starts drinking and does not realize until too late that his drinking has created problems. It is not that he set out to become a problem drinker. It just seems to have crept up and trapped him. One day he is enjoying a drink with a friend or two, and the next thing he knows is that problems are popping up all around him.

He might realize the problem when he sees that his job is on the line. Perhaps he sees he is spending too much on alcohol. Perhaps he might see that his wife has reason to be angry. Perhaps he sees his kids are fearful of him. Perhaps he sees his health is getting wrecked. Perhaps he sees regular people do not get charged for “driving under the influence.” Whatever he sees, it is important that he realize he is in a trap and that he needs to escape.

How do you escape something that lies to you? Alcohol says the problem is not there. It says the problem is not that big. It says the problems will go away. It says to solve the problem another day. Besides, why would one want to throw away the good feelings and good times that alcohol promises? But, alcohol, like a Carnival Huckster, promises but does not deliver. Instead it continues to give the problem drinker more of the same — increasingly serious troubles.

Why the person decides to get help does not matter. Whether it is because of pressure from family, friends, family doctor or the legal system, the important thing is that the person has taken the first step to get his life back on track. This step can be taken by participating in Alcoholics Anonymous and/or getting some counseling.

Four County Counseling Center has degreed counselors who are certified in addictions treatment to help the problem drinker. They recognize that it is not easy and that it takes courage to examine the problems happening in one’s life. But they are willing to work alongside the person to help him get his life back together. That way the person can successfully escape the trap and truly enjoy life again.

If you have concerns about your or a loved one’s problematic drinking, please contact Four County at (574) 722-5151 ext. 298 and let’s talk.

John George is director of addiction services at Four County Counseling Center.