Most people will not debate the devastating affects of alcoholism. The destruction from this disease are scattered across the pages of newspapers worldwide. Women are affected differently than men are concerning this disease. Not only do females who have the disease metabolize alcohol differently and tend to ask for help less often then men; they experience different associations with alcohol related incidents.
Women are wives, moms, and sisters of those who suffer from alcoholism. They connect in a nurturing way with those who are part of their life. Especially when their sons or daughters are diagnosed with alcoholism, moms feel an emotional pull at their heartstrings.
This article is a continuation of ‘The first six steps of Alcoholics Anonymous’. The twelve step program for overcoming a problem with alcohol has been used for years and years with much success. Many individuals have been able to successfully kick the habit simply by following the twelve steps, and to that end, it can be useful to know them if you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol. In this article, we’ll examine the last six steps of the Alcoholics Anonymous program so that you can get a better idea of how the program progresses.
Studies have shown consistently that those who attend Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in an attempt to conquer a problem with alcoholism are among the most likely to successfully beat the problem. In this article, we’ll examine some of the basic beliefs of the Alcoholics Anonymous program – the first six of the ‘twelve steps’ as they are commonly known. Many people live their lives based on the twelve step program and they find that it makes it all the easier to keep them from drinking.
Yes, it is a disease, but Alcoholism is also an addiction. It is the undeniable need for a drink that makes if an addiction. It is the inability to stop at just one drink, and the level of difficulty in quitting, requiring professional assistance and the need for a support group to be able to kick the drinking habit; that makes Alcoholism an addiction. Alcohol is after all a drug. As an addiction the condition is a progressive one. It changes in intensity growing and taking over like weeds in a garden.
In 2005, 16,885 people died in alcohol related vehicle crashes. This accounts for 39% of all traffic related deaths in the United States. Everyday more and more drivers are stopped and arrested for driving under the influence. Although authorities are working to crack down on drunk driving, there are simply too many drunk drivers to stop all of them. For many of the drivers that are stopped it is not the first time to be driving under the influence or even getting caught doing it. Since 1980 Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD), have lobbied to get first offense penalties for drunk drivers to be more severe. Unfortunately, these penalties do not stop people from making that choice to get behind the wheel of a car after they have been drinking alcoholic beverages.
Children who live with or come in close contact with Alcoholics experience the consequences of the disease up close and at times in a very person manner. They witness the destruction, the out of control behavior and the aftermath of the drinking events. They, especially if very young, will feel helpless to stop or control the actions or consequences of the Alcoholic. Children, who rely on the alcoholic for their care, may often have to wait until the person recovers from bouts of uncontrolled drinking before they can eat, or receive other basic care. Often there are financial consequences of drinking such as destruction of property, or loss of money that directly affects the children in the household. The old adage that “children see, children do”, applies to the drinking of alcohol. When children are exposed to those who accept using alcohol as a means to cope with life, they will likely learn to copy the attitudes and behaviors of those they live with or those who they are exposed to on a consistent basis. These people include:
