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 …
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 …
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?” …
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 …
I. Background Alcoholic musicians are not unusual. In fact, alcoholism occurs in every occupation. Also, 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 have quit drinking. And many alcoholic musicians continue to drink. In …
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 and Alcoholic Musicians.) Perhaps you’ll be surprised at some of the names. Please see the disclaimer note at the end of this page. Now on to the list …
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 …
Many people believe that heavy or problem drinking1 leads 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 …
Here are some tips for entertaining alcoholics in recovery. There’s no reason to be self-conscious about entertainment plans that include a guest who’s an alcoholic in recovery. The Caron Foundation offers some “recovery etiquette” tips for thoughtful hosts. Tips Feel free to serve alcohol at your gathering. You need not plan your party around a …
Moderation Management (MM) is for problem drinkers who want to reduce their drinking. MM is non-profit and offers peer-run, non-12 step support groups. It’s an alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). And to other 12-step programs which demand total alcohol abstinence for life. Courts consistently hold AA to be a religious group. This is a problem …
