The Signs are There -- Now What?

Now that you have identified the signs of alcoholism in yourself or a loved one, what do you do next?

If You are the Drinker
The simple answer is to stop drinking and get help. While that is a simple solution, it is not an easy one. Alcoholism is addictive, and when you stop drinking there is withdrawal that is unpleasant, painful, and even life-threatening. You need medical assistance to handle the changes to your brain and body, as well as therapeutic support to help you overcome the psychological addiction. You also need help to expose the reasons that caused you to drink too much in the first place. Alcoholism is a complex issue in people's lives, and it is not the kind of thing you can deal with alone.

Where to get immediate help:
1. Go to an AA meeting. Call AA or find the information on the internet. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a confidential support organization that has been proven to work. They can help you deal day to day, minute to minute with alcohol and its effects.

2. Contact a medical professional. This may be your family doctor, a walk-in clinic, or an addiction rehabilitation centre. Prices range from free to very expensive, but you will be able to find help within your budget.

3. Look yourself in the eye in the mirror and make a decision to change your life, beginning in that moment. Decide that your survival is more important than the next drink. But don't set your expectations too high for your present circumstances. The road to recovery is long, hard, slow and uphill. Just resolve to do better today than you did yesterday. And if you slip, regroup and begin again.

If the drinker is someone close to you
Do NOT confront the drinker by yourself! Reactions can range anywhere from sadness and remorse, to anger and bodily harm to you, the drinker, or those nearby. You need professional help to be able to initiate such a conversation with the drinker. If an intervention is warranted, you will have professionals who know how to handle the situation. Please do not try to deal with this yourself, even if you feel you have the skills or a good relationship with the drinker. Alcoholism causes unpredictable behaviour, and it's always best to handle the situation carefully. I repeat, get professional help.

Where to get immediate help:
1. Contact Al-Anon or Alateen. They will help you get through day to day, minute to minute, and advise you of the best way to deal with the situation.

2. Speak to a medical professional or addictions counselor regarding how to get treatment for the alcoholic. They will be able to arrange services, and an intervention if necessary.

3. Look after yourself and those who depend upon you first. While your heart may go out to the drinker, you must take care of yourself and your dependents first so that you can be in a position to help your loved one overcome alcoholism. You may think of it as being selfish, but it is really only survival. Just as you put your own oxygen mask on before helping someone else if an airplane decompresses, you must look after your own safety and security needs before you can help anyone else. If that means leaving the home and seeking shelter from an abusive drunk, you must have the courage to take that step. It will be hard, but no harder than trying to live with an alcoholic. Believe me, I know.

If you recognize the signs of alcoholism in yourself or someone you love, please get help as soon as possible. Don't sacrifice another day of your life to alcohol.