2010-Alcohol and Drug Abuse Hurts Everyone (PrayersThoughts_PiecesofMe_AlwaysMeKelly)

Dependence on alcohol and drugs is our most
serious national public health problem. It is
prevalent among rich and poor, in all regions of
the country, and all ethnic and social groups.
Millions of Americans misuse or are dependent
on alcohol or drugs. Most of them have families
who suffer the consequences, often serious, of
living with this illness. If there is alcohol or drug
dependence in your family, remember you are
not alone.
Most individuals who abuse alcohol or drugs
have jobs and are productive members of society
creating a false hope in the family that “it’s not
that bad.”
The problem is that addiction tends to worsen
over time, hurting both the addicted person and
all the family members. It is especially damaging
to young children and adolescents.
People with this illness really may believe that
they drink normally or that “everyone” takes
drugs. These false beliefs are called denial; this
denial is a part of the illness.


It Doesn’t Have to be That Way
Drug or alcohol dependence disorders are
medical conditions that can be effectively
treated. Millions of Americans and their families
are in healthy recovery from this disease.
If someone close to you misuses alcohol or
drugs, the first step is to be honest about the
problem and to seek help for yourself, your
family, and your loved one.
Treatment can occur in a variety of settings, in
many different forms, and for different lengths
of time. Stopping the alcohol or drug use is the
first step to recovery, and most people need help
to stop. Often a person with alcohol or drug
dependence will need treatment provided by
professionals just as with other diseases. Your
doctor may be able to guide you.
“What is Substance Abuse
Treatment? A Booklet for
Families” - was written especially
for family members and is available
through SAMHSA’s National
Helpline 1-800-662-HELP.




Family Intervention Can Start the Healing
Getting a loved one to agree to accept help, and
finding support services for all family members
are the first steps toward healing for the addicted
person and the entire family.
When an addicted person is reluctant to seek
help, sometimes family members, friends, and
associates come together out of concern and
love, to confront the problem drinker. They
strongly urge the person to enter treatment and
list the serious consequences of not doing so,
such as family breakup or job loss.
This is called “intervention.” When carefully
prepared and done with the guidance of a
competent, trained specialist, the family, friends
and associates are usually able to convince their
loved one – in a firm and loving manner – that
the only choice is to accept help and begin the
road to recovery.
People with alcohol or drug dependence
problems can and do recover. Intervention is
often the first step.