• Beware ye who play with me. I am Alcohol. Do you really know me?
• Symptoms of alcoholism (alcohol dependence) I
  In order to recognize alcohol dependence, it is necessary to understand that, as with other illnesses, there is an early stage at which the illness is reversible. This is usually before physical addiction has occurred.
• Symptoms Of Alcoholism (alcohol dependence) II
• Who is at high risk of becoming an alcoholic (Red Flags)
• Signs and symptoms of compulsive drug use
  Initially, especially in the young, there is behavioral evidence that they are doing something "naughty". This guilty behaviour is unrelated to any drug effect. The individual is "shifty", avoids direct eye contact, is evasive and frequently makes up untruthful stories about activities, friends and pocket money.
• Why do many young people become alcoholic?
• The Spouse - The Unwitting Enabler
  We will now look at the role of the spouse as the enabler of the continuation of the illness and the usual attitudes and feelings which determine the type of role being played. The importance of this is that in order for the spouse to be able to confront the alcoholic constructively, she has to understand how she feels about the alcoholic, how these feelings developed and how, through knowledge and understanding, to changer attitude. She will then be in a position to confront the alcoholic.
• Defenses Used By The Alcoholic
  We all use defenses at times to protect our inner selves from being hurt. The alcoholic, because of his drinking behaviour, is more vulnerable and open to attack. He therefore uses defense mechanisms with increasing frequency. They become a part of his daily pattern of coping, of protecting himself from the paranoia and guilt he would otherwise feel. They are fairly successful because they relieve his immediate anxiety, yet unsuccessful because they block his ability to see and experience reality. This distortion of perception caused by the excessive use of defense mechanisms accounts for the discrepancy in the interpretation of events and behaviour given by the alcoholic as compared with that given by other observers.
• Suggestions for the Recovery Family
  A family is a living unit, and as one part of that unit changes, so must all the parts in their own way. Find time regularly to discuss problems and progress, and be open. There is no room anymore for arguing at home about who is right and wrong. Do things together - go to meetings, socialise, fix up the house. Remember the three 'C's of successful relationships: Communication, Compromise and Commitment. Be patient; lasting change takes time.
• Relapse
  In chronic disorders, such as alcoholism and drug dependency, the danger of relapsing is ever present. For many, the relapse is indicative of complete failure, and it is this belief that makes one feel that attempts at recovery are "hopeless".Until relapse is understood within the context of chemical dependency, it will remain a de-motivating factor for both the person who is chemically dependent and those who care about him.
  See also High Risk Relapse Situations or Five Stage Addiction (Relapse) Cycle Also see Warning Signs of Relapse
• Components Of A Healthy Family
  (Misunderstandings, conflict, resentments and other negative feelings in the family are often "triggers" for relapse for the chemically dependent person. Find is a list of healthy components to the family.)
• Phases Of Recovery
  Recovery from drug addiction is a process of growth and development that involves the whole person. It takes time, and not only does attitutude change but ones whole lifestyle. The recovery phases defined below are major life conditions. Each phase refers to a set of factors and events that, when all taken up together, make up a lifestyle.
• 'Psst - did you know?'
  Family members asking "what can we do? Why does he drink Like this? Why did she have to die is there no way we could have saved her?" Yet help is at hand help is available but do people want to know?
• 'Alcoholism- what do you think you know?'
  Jane’s husband is thunderously banging at the door again, causing the neighbours to peep from their windows in this up-market neighbourhood to observe what has become a common occurrence.
• 'I am not alcoholic!'
  "Jane, Jaaaane?" her husbands hoarse but still strong voice buffeting her from the bedroom goads her into frantic action, as trying to quell the wave of anxiety rising like vomit in her gorge she snatches up the telephone receiver and begins angrily stabbing the buttons and so completing the sequence of numbers that connect her to his office.
• 'Alcoholism: why we suffer'
  If you were asked to describe alcoholism or an alcoholic, what would you say, how would you describe them, do you yourself really know or your answer would be a haodgepodge of myths and misinformation that you have picked up or read over the years?

If you have any queries please contact us at goinghomedotcom@yahoo.com we at the goinghomedotcom Trust would like to hear your thoughts, comments and suggestions.

Back to the top of page

This site is designed by David Ogot snr. And hosted by
Science & Engineering Research Center
©goinghomedotcom 2001 - 2008
Disclaimer Privacy Policy