Canadian, Oklahoma 12/1/2009 11:20:47 PM
Stocked Bar for Holidays can be Introduction to Addiction
Stocked Bar for Holidays can be Introduction to Addiction
Thanksgiving is the kickoff to the holiday season where family and friends get together to celebrate and reminisce about the past year. Most people would not believe that a fully stocked refrigerator and bar could precede an alcohol or drug addiction later in life. Thanksgiving evening is a big night for under-agers because older siblings and college friends are home for the holidays and refrigerators are stocked for family parties.
A survey by SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) in June 2008 revealed that 650,000 underage drinkers in May 2008 were given alcohol by their parents or guardians. “In far too many instances parents directly enable their children’s underage drinking,” said Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H., a rear admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service in June 2008. “Proper parental guidance alone may not be the complete solution to this devastating public health problem but it is a critical part,” Dr. Galson stated.
“Many parents of our clients who come to rehab to battle an addiction to alcohol or drugs never imagined that a holiday tradition such as beer while watching football, a hot toddy before dinner, wine with dinner or rum spiked eggnog to sip on throughout the day could be the precursor for their loved ones journey in addiction,” said Mike Kent, Admissions Counselor at Narconon Arrowhead, one of the country’s premier drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers.
According to Narconon’s Kent, most parents are not aware of the fact that they may be contributing to their loved ones addiction by making alcohol too easily accessible. Making them aware of this is the first step. Helping their loved one get the help to end their addiction is the next most important thing they can do. Addiction is only lethal when it is allowed to continue and not successfully treated.
If you are concerned that your loved one or friend is showing signs of substance abuse or already is addicted to alcohol or drugs, call Narconon Arrowhead today at 1-800-468-6933 and speak with one of our counselors or visit our website at http://www.stopaddiction.com/index.php/News/Latest/Stocked-Bar-for-Holidays-can-be-Introduction-to-Addiction.html. Our counselors will answer questions and do free assessments and referrals to get your loved one the help they need.
