Articles

When you work in a field that deals with alcoholism on a daily basis, it’s easy to forget the level of public awareness about the disease.  It’s very low, even among those who deal with the pain and heartache of a suffering loved one.  In the interest of awareness, with April being Alcohol Awareness Month, here are some basics.

 

 

Alcoholics are unable to stop drinking once they start, without a conflict, no matter how much you beg.  The saying goes that if an alcoholic is not drinking, he’s thinking about the next drink.  A big part of alcohol dependence is the intense craving an individual feels.  These feelings are so strong that an alcoholic in recover for 10 years could still find his mouth watering at the sight of a martini or glass of wine.  And it isn’t about the taste.

Alcohol always satisfies the craving, as promised, and is trusted to always do so.  This is due to some biological and psychological functions that need not be addressed here.  And it can’t be stressed enough that alcohol is this individual’s best friend because people can never be as trustworthy.  Alcohol dependence has its drawbacks, of course, like terrible withdrawals.  But they are easily remedied by drinking more alcohol.  So the only downside, to the alcoholic, is the people who nag him to stop drinking.

The “hole in the soul” is a good way to describe why an alcoholic drinks.  It feels like something is missing inside that would help him cope with daily life.  Alcoholics lack a coping mechanism that most people have, so they tend to dwell on little events that seem to not bother others.  Alcohol fills that hole and makes him feel like he is a part of society, rather than being different.  From the first drink on, all is okay as long as the alcoholic is drinking.

Eventually, heavy drinking leads to abuse and then dependence.  At that point the body needs alcohol to function, and cutting off the supply may be fatal.  That’s a sad fact.  

This doesn’t mean that the situation is hopeless.  It’s important, though, to find the right time to have a discussion with your alcoholic.  For some reason, spouses, parents, children, and friends will confront an alcoholic during a binge, knowing that the last attempt was a disaster.  His mind, body, and spirit will always go to defend his best friend, and you get nowhere.  The best thing to do is remain calm until he passes out.

Aside from a professional intervention, the best time to confront an alcoholic is after he sleeps off a negative experience.  Wait until he’s “come to”, and then discuss the behavior.  It’s crucial that you convey a sense of love and care.  The best thing you can do for him is to lead him to the realization that he has a problem.  That realization is known as a “moment of clarity” in recovery groups, and is often described as having a divine influence.

When that moment arrives, you need to immediately… right now …get him in to a treatment center.  Therefore, you need to do your homework before the conversation starts.  It begins with one call to a local treatment center, like the one at Tarzana Treatment Centers, where you can learn how treatment works.  You’ll find out what is needed to get your loved one admitted when the time comes, and will also get some tools to make that day arrive faster.

Successful treatment will lead to abstinence for your alcoholic.  Continued treatment and attending a support group, like AA, will help him stay sober.  The odds are, though, that your alcoholic will relapse after treatment at least once.  It’s just a fact of life and a part of recovery for the great majority of recovering alcoholics.  Ask questions, find out what happened, encourage open communication, and talk to a counselor together.  Get him right back on the horse.

Here is one final note for the loved ones.  You need help, too.  Attend at least one Al-Anon or CODA meeting in your area.  There is no shame in being associated with an alcoholic, and you need to know how to regain your self-worth.  You may even choose to enter therapy, which is also available at Tarzana Treatment Centers.

 

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides a full array of health care services including adult and youth alcohol and drug treatment.  We specialize in treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, and have two primary medical care clinics in the San Fernando Valley and Antelope Valley and specialized services for HIV/AIDS care.  If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol dependence, drug addiction, or co-occurring mental health disorders or from other services we offer, please call us now at 888-777-8565 or contact us using our secure contact form.

   

Telemedicine services are also available with online medical care, online mental health treatment, and online alcohol and drug treatment.

Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.