Alcohol, Drug Abuse, Drug Addiction and the Holidays

When families get together for the holiday season, aside from the joy of seeing family members, one painful fact may emerge:

One of them may have a drug or alcohol problem.

"It may be something that everyone 'knows', but have not had the courage to face," comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director for Narconon Drug Rehab Georgia. "However, when everyone gets together for the annual family get togethers for the Holidays, the fact is painfully apparent- this person has a problem.

"Actually the absence of such a person can also make others shake their head: so-and-so can't make it because they are drunk, or on a drug binge. When this conduct has gone on for years, the fact remains that many family members often take for granted, or should I say, become apathetic to the fact that anything can be done about the addiction.

"Don't give up. Even if the person has been to several rehabs, don't give up.

"While a drug addict or alcoholic may have drained your patience and resolve, don't forget this simple fact: Nobody wants to be a drug addict. While they may lie and steal to support their current drug or alcohol addiction, deep down, they don't like the situation they are in.

"The holidays often make their situation even more bleak. Having lost the confidence, support, and in their opinion, love of family members, the holidays often serve to depress, and as a result, the addict uses more and more of the drug or alcohol to numb their feelings.

"Once again, don't give up. Drug Rehab is workable. They can get better.

"For example, here is the story of one father who had sent his daughter to several rehabs in the last 10 years:"

"Our daughter Susan began an addiction to alcohol 20 years ago.

"The disease consumed her to the extent that she divorced her husband leaving him with the two children. She bounced from job to job mostly being terminated for non-attendance. Her relationship with parents and siblings deteriorated and, for at least ten years,the family lived under great stress....never knowing what was next.

"She lost her driving priviledge for more than two years (thank God no one was killed) and overall her situation seemed hopeless. Then Susan enlisted in your Narconon program in Atlanta. She is now in her eighth month of sobriety, is gainfully employed, and is a dedicated mother to her new young daughter. She is looking forward to a family reunion at Christmas (the first sober one we can remember in more than 10 years). We pray daily that her recovery will continue!"

What this grateful father does not say is that he had already lost one son to drug addiction by overdose- and he wasn't going to give up on his daughter.

If you know someone with a drug problem, send them to Narconon – we have a 76% success rate. The holidays could be the start of a new beginning for the addict and a chance at a peaceful life for you.
 
For more information on drug addiction rehab, drug addiction, or drug education, call Narconon of Georgia at 1-877-413-3073.

Copyright © 2008. Narconon of Georgia Inc.(www.drugsno.com) Call 1-877-413-3073. All rights reserved. Narconon and the Narconon Logo are trademarks and service marks owned by the Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission.