New York, NY 4/1/2010 2:31:06 AM
News / Education

Can Alcohol Abuse Be Prevented?

First off, it should be explained that alcohol abuse is different from alcohol addiction. With alcohol abuse a person may not drink regularly. In fact, the alcohol abuser may go months without taking a drink; however, at some point, for some reason, he or she will take one drink and then be unable to stop until the point of extreme intoxication has been reached.

Now for the answer to the question, which, surprisingly, is yes. However, that yes must be followed with a lot of “ifs.” If the propensity for abuse is recognized before the first drink is ever taken, and plans are formulated to make sure that no alcohol is ever consumed, and that as much as humanly possible, situations where alcohol consumption may occur are avoided, then alcohol abuse will not occur.



Many people who are aware of alcohol abuse in their family history, sometimes going back two or three generations, often take such drastic steps. They use the fact that alcohol abuse can occur as their reason not to drink when in a situation where drinking may be occurring, and strengthen that decision by allowing no alcohol in their homes.



Others, however, may not be aware that they are in danger of becoming addicted to alcohol, or may (sometimes erroneously) believe that the problem will not affect them as it has others. If or when it does happen, fortunately there are alcohol abuse treatment programs available.



Alcohol abuse treatment centers recognize that alcohol abuse is different from alcohol addiction, and adjust their treatment protocols accordingly. These adjustments may include helping people recognize triggers besides environmental ones; i.e. social or other situations where drinking may occur.



For instance, an alcohol abuser may not be aware that in times of stress, even thinking about drinking increases, thus lowering their resistance to being able to avoid taking a drink. Alcohol abuse treatment can help the abuser recognize the signs of impending stress and take appropriate actions.



For information on alcohol abuse treatment centers, please go to http://www.abusegroup.com/ or call 1-800-559-9503. A list of facilities in all states can be provided to those needing help for alcohol abuse.