The teen drinking problem is widespread; there are a few warning signs to keep in mind if one is observant enough. There are ways to avoid the downfall of the disease and keep it under control.
Most of us know someone close to us who seems to have a tendency to drink too much at social gatherings and get togethers, such as parties and office events. If it is a recurring habit the person seems to fall into every time, often at the expense of embarrassing themselves and others, they may have an acute problem with alcohol and knowing their own limitations with it.
Knowing your limitations with alcohol may come easy to some, who for example, may know their maximum drink limit for the night cannot exceed three beers. On the other hand, it may be extremely difficult for others who either cannot say no to additional drinks, has not fully tested out his/her intoxication limits yet, or simply cannot resist more alcohol due to an array of problems, which ultimately, becomes a problem with alcohol itself.
What can a close friend do to help out? Should others intervene with the apparent problem? How much is up to the individual themselves to get help for their own problem?
In society, we are taught that an alcoholic cannot be coherced into treatment over and over. It has to be done by the person themself. They have to get their act together. I guess that you cannot literally drag an alcoholic into a treatment center or support group, but sometimes, a small boost may be needed. Just as depressives cannot count on others for their lack of happiness, alchoholics are the same. But, under normal circumstances a loved one would go out of their way to try and support the depressive and give them a boost--the same should hold true for the alcoholic. Most times, the underlying problems include depression, abuse, neglect, family history, etc. It's the same old problems that produce a knee-jerk response in people. No, treatments and remedies are not exactly the same for depressives and alcoholics, but the underlying symptoms can be treated with one common thing--support or support groups.
As for the friend or relative who feels that their hands are tied in these awkward social situations, they should probably choose to talk with the person at a later time, and obviously, make sure that the person does not do any driving that night. But, as for intervention, some support such as offering to go to an alcoholics support group with the alcoholic may be good for starters; but, in the end the alcoholic has to have a strong desire do it for him or herself.
For gatherings and dates, suggest going out for coffee or something similar. If there are non-alcoholic items on the menu or drink list, then suggest to try them. Or, you many want to suggest trying the "cidars" which are sweet beers that are low in alcohol levels the next time you're sitting at a bar with your friend. Who knows? They may just take a liking to some other types of drinks and hopefully, your wonderful conversation will get their minds off of drinking and their problems. Good conversation and loyal friends are very important for the alcoholic.
Alcoholism is widespread and treatable. There are also new drugs on the market for alcoholics. Don't allow alcoholism to control family and friends.
