Under The Weather Coping With Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism

'A very practical and forthright book.' Professor Anthony Clare The abuse of alcohol and alcoholism are among the most corrosive and devastating features of modern societies. The incidence of broken lives and shattered families caused directly by alcohol addiction is now widely recognised. However, as the widespread nature of alcoholism is acknowledged, so too are the significant advances in its treatment. Under the Weather sets out all the basic facts on alcoholism and alcohol abuse in an accessible yet comprehensive manner. It combines a popular approach with one that is scientifically and medically reliable. Above all this new and updated edition of a well-established and popular book offers hope and encouragement by emphasising the high recovery rates for those who are prepared to assume responsibility for their own recovery and co-operate with properly mounted and comprehensive treatment programmes. Family and friends concerned about the effect of abnormal drinking will also find it an invaluable source of information and support. 'Few authors can write with such experiences and understanding ... warmly recommended to a wide readership.' Dr Bruce Ritson 'Of the many books written in recent years about alcoholism and problem drinkers this one is outstanding.' Dr Max Glatt Under the Weather: Table of Contents Introduction - Alcoholism – A Disease - Alcoholism – Many Causes - Signs, Symptoms and Cross Addiction - From Compulsion to Recovery - Physical and Psychiatric Complications - Mental Mechanism and Medication - Overall Treatment Plan - Relapse - The Young - Women - A Family Illness - PreventionAppendix A: The Definition of Alcoholism Appendix B: Treatment Appendix C: Questionnaires Appendix D: Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Alateen Appendix E: Help and Advice

The abuse of alcohol and alcoholism are among the most corrosive and devastating features of modern societies. The incidence of broken lives and shattered families caused directly by alcohol addiction is now widely recognised. However, as the widespread nature of alcoholism is acknowledged, so too are the significant advances in its treatment. Under the Weather sets out all the basic facts on alcoholism and alcohol abuse in an accessible yet comprehensive manner. It combines a popular approach with one that is scientifically and medically reliable. Above all this new and updated edition of a well established and popular book offers hope and encouragement by emphasising the high recovery rates for those who are prepared to assume responsibility for their own recovery and co-operate with properly mounted and comprehensive treatment programmes. Family and friends concerned about the effect of abnormal drinking will also find it an invaluable source of information and support.

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.

Light at the end of the tunnel for anyone living with a loved ones alcohol problem If your life has been brought down by a loved ones drinking problem or affected by the family disease of alcoholism, then this book is for you. It reassures you that you are not alone and isolated; gives valuable information about alcohol; and, most importantly, shows you the way to a freedom from the effects of loving an alcoholic. As the partner of a recovering alcoholic, Anne honestly and frankly describes her journey through the haze of living with this problem. A trained couples counsellor, she analyses her own behavior and, in so doing, encourages you to face reality, along with giving you some tools to change your life, leading to serenity and, above all, hope for the future.