If you are drinking and it seems like maybe too much, drinking when things are hard, drinking to get to sleep, drinking to forget, drinking to lose inhibitions or if it is making a serious impact on your spouse and/or family, then it is probably an addiction or an abusive behavior. Abusing alcohol looks different in every household but there are some similarities.
Is it a disease, an addiction or simply a choice? These options must be explored. If you stop for short times, then begin again with a new crisis or emotional breakdown it could also be a a serious red flag. The abusive use of alcohol usually can not be dealt with alone. Support from others such as a counselor, a family member, a support group or coworker may be utilized.
Alcohol use can be a very addictive problem. Physiologically/biologically the body can get to a place where the alcohol is needed to calm you down. It could be needed after a while just to simply cope with the daily routine that life brings. Some people begin drinking just due to the fact that it lessens anxiety.
If you are living with a person who is drinking too much you might be dealing with a whole different set of problems. You might be lying for a spouse, son/daughter or parent when they do not go to work due to a hangover. You might be making excuses for another persons inappropriate behaviors. You might be hiding your emotions because you want to be the strong one. You might be hiding physical abuse of yourself or another family member. You might be giving and giving everything you have to give, getting nothing in return, and resenting the heck out of it. You might be making attempts to control the situation but find that you are losing the battle.
In both cases, honesty is the first best step you could possibly take to begin the healing process. Admitting there is a problem may just be the hardest thing you have to do as these types of problems can cause so much shame and embarrassment. In so many cases, members of your family and friends are embarrassed or ashamed by the actions taken by the alcohol user or the one enabling the misuse of the alcohol.
Below, is a list of books and web sites that can be a good first step to that healing process. It will be important not to be alone in this process. It is very common to see that accountability is a good tool in this healing process.
If you are dealing with these issues in one way or another and are in the Orlando area, please contact us in our Winter Park office for assistance. If you are anywhere in the U.S. feel free to write us so we can send you to one of our trusted colleagues near you.
Drinking: A Love Story
Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself
Beyond Codependency: And Getting Better All the Time
Addictions in Grace, Gerald May
Brave Hearts
The Last Addiction, Sharon Hersh
Alcoholic’s Anonymous This site can give you information on the program, where to find a group for the drinker and the the family members of the drinker.
Celebrate Recovery This site will give you information on what the groups work on and who with. It will also give you locations as to where to receive help.
From Chocolate to Morphine: Everything You Need to Know About Mind-Altering Drugs
Disclaimer: This blog post is not to be a substitute for professional help or advice. Please consider seeking out professional help if you consider yourself to be at risk for any mental health related issues.
