How To Live With A Problem Drinker And Survive

Advice directed to the husbands, wives, children, and close friends of problem drinkers encourages these often overlooked victims to continue to develop and grow in their own lives despite the alcohol problems of a loved one.

Practical help and support for partners, family, friends and work colleagues of problem drinkers

Hazardous drinking in the UK is widespread: 1 in 4 according to a recent government survey. More severe 'alcohol dependence' affects nearly 6% of the UK population - that's 1.8 million people. But for each alcoholic there is usually a family - estimates suggest that at least 3 people per alcohol abuser suffer on this account. The loved ones of alcohol abusers are a neglected group, and this book is aimed at equipping them to care for themselves so that they can survive the difficulty before them. Written by a husband-and-wife team of an alcohol abuse expert and former alcoholic (John) and a former carer for an alcoholic (Lou), this helpful book is not only academically sound but also written with an empathy that flows from experience.

When a family member drinks to excess, the repercussions for the health and well-being of all involved are profound and long-lasting. While it has always been accepted that alcoholism is a major factor in family distress, today there is a clearer understanding of how alcohol problems may be implicated in family upheaval and breakdown. Definitions of alcoholism are also more sophisticated, and the problem may be labelled as hazardous, harmful or dependent drinking. However, the victims of alcohol-fuelled hatred, anger, abuse, fear, neglect and threats do not care about the label. All they focus on is survival. A victim of drunken assault by a family member does not care whether or not the perpetrator is sick, bad or crazy - the hurt and is still the same, no matter what the label. This book looks at how to deal with the damage done to families by alcohol problems, and how to move on, even if the alcoholic denies the problem. Topics include: definitions of alcoholism - is alcoholism a 'disease'? dealing with denial in the alcoholic recognizing how complex family dynamics may contribute to alcohol problems 'coping strategies' such as enabling (accepting unacceptable behaviour) recognising and dealing with negative emotions eg defiance and deep resentment types of problems for family members - mental health, personality issues coping with violence, emotional and physical dealing with money worries and other practical issues such as protecting any children.

"Living with a Functioning Alcoholic" is a book about hope, written specifically for women living in the chaos of alcoholic families yet unable to seek help from a psychologist.

A former alcoholic turned tutelary for other wayward drinkers explains the steps to identifying and overcoming alcohol abuse Drawing on the author's extensive experience—both professionally as a university lecturer in substance abuse and personally as a former alcoholic—this work explains, with passion and effectiveness, how a "problem drinker" can turn their life around for the better. It shows how to tell when drinking becomes a problem, the seriously adverse effects this can have on a problem drinker's life and health, and how it's never too late for them to shake free from addiction and change their lives for the better.

Determine if your drinking is a problem, develop strategies for curbing your intake, and measure your progress with this practical, engaging guide to taking care of yourself. Every day, millions of people drink a beer or two while watching a game, shake a cocktail at a party with friends, or enjoy a glass of wine with a good meal. For more than 30 percent of these drinkers, alcohol has begun to have a negative impact on their everyday lives. Yet, only a small number are true alcoholics--people who have completely lost control over their drinking and who need alcohol to function. The great majority are what Dr. Doyle and Dr. Nowinski call "Almost Alcoholics," a growing number of people whose excessive drinking contributes to a variety of problems in their lives.In Almost Alcoholic, Dr. Doyle and Dr. Nowinski give the facts and guidance needed to address this often unrecognized and devastating condition. They provide the tools toidentify and assess your patterns of alcohol use;evaluate its impact on your relationships, work, and personal well-being;develop strategies and goals for changing the amount and frequency of alcohol use;measure the results of applying these strategies; andmake informed decisions about your next steps.