Do You Love Someone with a Drug or Alcohol Problem - Especially During the Holidays?

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I just read a post from someone who mentioned that they have a problem with alcohol. Worldwide, alcoholism is a serious issue, especially for the millions of people who have a predisposition to become addicted to alcohol or other substances. During the holidays, it can be even more difficult for some of these people to abstain. It is hard for them to resist the pressure ... even when they want to. In many cases, alcoholics don't think they have a problem. Some of them believe it is only a problem because the people around them don't like it. I have active and recovering alcoholic members of my family including one of my sisters who, although financially extremely successful, starts each day with a glass a wine ... and keeps drinking all day. I work at least four to five days a week with members of Alanon, an organization for people who love someone with an alcohol problem. I have learned so much from this organization. From time to time, I will write articles about this problem. Here's the first bit of Al-anon information I want to offer those who love someone with a drug or alcohol problem: You didn't cause it; You cannot control it (or the person who has it); You cannot cure it. In fact, alcoholics and drug addicts are never really cured. Some of them, however, are able to go to organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous and learn how to abstain, by getting the support of others who are going through the same thing. Just telling them to stop virtually never works. They don't know how; the compulsion is too strong. I hope this information helps some of the people who love an alcoholic, or those who know they have a problem, but don't know where to turn. Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Al-anon for the family members are all wonderful organizations who can provide you with the support you need.