Category: Alcoholism

Pick a Rehab: Helpful Suggestions for Selecting a Good One

pick a rehab

To pick a rehab is a awesome task. Whether it’s for you or a loved one. The stakes are high.The pressure is great. You want to select a good one. It’s a major choice. The results can be enormous. So how do you pick a rehab? We have concrete suggestions for selecting a good one. …

Read more

Coerced Substance Treatment: It May Backfire

american council on alcohol problems

Many people are coerced into alcohol treatment. Their family may want them to go to AA. Or to go to a rehab. Sometimes a court gives them an option. They can attend AA or they can go to jail. That’s clearly coerced substance treatment.  In Sweden, the state can legally force people into treatment. That …

Read more

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Is It Alcoholism?

alcohol harm paradox

What is Alcohol Use Disorder or AUD? Is it just a new name for alcoholism? Or is it something else? Here are the facts. DSM: Alcohol Use Disorder Doctors and mental health professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). They use it because it defines mental disorders and illnesses. The fifth …

Read more

Alcoholism and Denial: a Serious Problem Faced by Alcoholics

alcoholism and denial

Almost everyone has heard that alcoholism and denial are related. And probably everyone has heard the old “Have you stopped beating your wife” trick question. Answering either yes or no damns the respondent. Similarly, the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12-step program also supports a “heads I win, tails you lose” trick question. Question: “Are you alcoholic?” …

Read more

Alcoholic Politicians From Around the World (Any Surprises?)

There are, and have been, many alcoholic politicians. Today, some have reported themselves to be alcoholic and have sought treatment. For alcoholic politicians of the past, it was harder. So historians base their judgements on accounts of those who knew the politicians and their actions. But it’s safe to assume that there are many politicians …

Read more

Alcoholic Musicians (They Died from It, Quit, or Continue Drinking)

Alcohol tolerance may be

Alcoholic musicians are not unusual. In fact, alcoholism occurs in every occupation.       Overview I.   Background II.  Alcoholic Musicians III. Resources I. Background Musicians often work in settings conducive to drinking too much. Indeed, people often push drinks on them. Some alcoholic musicians have died from its effects on their bodies. Others …

Read more

Alcoholic Athletes (Do Any of the Names Surprise You?)

alcoholic athletes

Alcoholic athletes? Of course. Athletes are people, and alcoholism cuts across society. It doesn’t respect occupation, race, income, or other demographics. (Be sure to visit Famous Alcoholics, Alcoholic Musicians, and Alcoholic Politicians.)                Overview I.  List of Alcoholic Athletes II. Resources Perhaps you’ll be surprised at some of the …

Read more

What is Alcoholism? A Disease? A Behavior? Decide for Yourself

Exactly what is alcoholism? Alcoholism isn’t a “thing” but a cluster of behaviors. It’s often called a disease. However, most facts suggests that it is not. Indeed, many doctors reject the theory that alcoholism is a disease. They do so for lack of facts supporting it. Visit Is Alcoholism a Disease? to learn more about the …

Read more

Most Heavy Drinkers Consume Less over Time: Learn Why Some Don’t

what is alcoholism

Many people believe that heavy or problem drinking1leads to alcoholism. Or alcohol dependence.2 Researchers tested this idea. They found that most heavy drinkers consume less alcohol over time. First, researchers found problem drinkers through telephone screening. It was in northern California. Then they made in-person interviews with 672 people. The mean age of the sample was 35 …

Read more

Entertaining Alcoholics in Recovery: Tips for Hosts

tips for entertaining alcoholics in recovery

Here are some tips for entertaining alcoholics in recovery. Entertaining alcoholics in recovery can be fun. There’s no reason to be self-conscious about. The Caron Foundation offers some “recovery etiquette” tips for thoughtful hosts. These should set your mind at ease Tips Feel free to serve alcohol at your gathering. You need not plan your …

Read more