Jesse had a difficult time keeping a job. In truth, because of her inactivity and lack of drive, she was jobless far more often than she was in a job situation. And when she did land a job, she had an exceedingly difficult time getting to work in a timely manner, she often received less than satisfactory performance assessments, and she called off sick so often that she regularly got fired four or five weeks after she began working. Obviously, one of the results of Jesse’s less than optimal work record was the fact that she was just about flat broke almost on a daily basis.

Despite Jesse’s crummy work record and financial lack of attention, on the other hand, somehow she made it a point to drink abusively much of the time. Not surprisingly, her excessive drinking also resulted in difficulties coping with the grief of her divorce.

Due to her abusive and hazardous drinking, it came as no big surprise when Jesse received a fourth DWI. When she went before the court, the magistrate clearly stated to Jesse that her alcohol-related behavior was shameful and, as a consequence, he was going to sentence Jesse to spend eight months in the city jail.

Time While Locked Up In Jail To Reflect On The Injurious Effects of Hazardous and Excessive Drinking

During her time in the municipal jail, Jesse was required to learn more about alcohol facts, about the unhealthy effects of abusive and hazardous drinking, and she was expected to get alcohol counseling. The judge accentuated the fact that unless Jesse receives professional alcohol rehab and discovers how to live an alcohol-free life, she will probably be spending quite a bit of her time in the local jail.

Jesse articulated that she grasped what the judge was pronouncing but she still claimed that placement in the county jail was not the most effective sentence. The magistrate thought otherwise and claimed that it was his duty to keep alcohol dependent people off the streets who drive under the influence and who get one or more DUIs. To validate this assertion, the judge quoted some honored, highly researched alcohol statistics that underscored some of the damaging results that are related to hazardous and irresponsible drinking.

Even though Jesse realized that she drank in a hazardous and irresponsible manner, she never believed that she was alcohol dependent. So it was a big bombshell when Jesse began experiencing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal just about five-and-a-half hours after going to jail.

To manage her alcohol withdrawals in a safe and secure manner, Jesse was life flighted to a rehab hospital for alcohol detoxification and then brought back to the city jail. While locked up in jail Jesse was given a mental health assessment for her depression and received alcohol treatment but because she received this treatment as something that was imposed upon her, she failed to take ownership of her excessive and abusive drinking.

When her time in the municipal jail was completed, the judge without hesitation told Jesse that she would be under close surveillance and would be required to take random breathalyzer alcohol tests.

Jessie’s Thoughtless Drinking Prevents Her From Living in a Responsible and Effective Manner

After hearing how Jesse was unsuccessful in taking ownership of her drinking problem and how she halfheartedly followed the rehab code of behavior while in jail, the judge knew that it was only a matter of time before he would be seeing Jesse once again in court about her hazardous and abusive drinking behavior. As the magistrate reflected on Jesse’s situation, he couldn’t help but think about how some people never use their brain and learn how to live in an adult and effective manner.

Barry used to brag to his drinking pals how he could remain employed at a demanding and fulltime job and get smashed virtually every night. Sadly, after involving himself in this unhealthy lifestyle for about five years, he began to display different alcohol related problems.

Barry Begins to Display Several Alcohol Related Difficulties

For example, he had a very hard time getting up for work because he felt so worn-out when he awoke. Furthermore, just about every morning Barry had a dreadful hangover. Without a doubt, the mixture of his hangovers and his lack of get-up-and-go did not make it easy for him to get up and feel like he wanted to go to work. To make matters worse, around a week ago he got his third driving under the influence arrest in the past six months.

To further complicate things, at his place of employment his last two performance evaluations were not up to his usual high standards. And lastly, his relationship with his girlfriend had gotten worse due to his depression, angry outbursts, financial difficulties, and his lack of patience.

Although Barry was only twenty seven years old, he simply began looking like he was in his mid thirties. Unfortunately, this is what excessive and careless drinking can do to an individual. And from a realistic perspective he realized that he was suffering from the negative outcomes of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependency and that he was too young to fritter away his life to careless and excessive drinking. So at first he tried to drink in moderation. Sadly, he soon realized that he lost all control after ingesting his first drink. Stated somewhat more forcefully, after his first drink he invariably proceeded to get smashed. Since this was an event that was repeated again and again, this greatly worried him. In fact, he began to wonder if he was displaying some of the signs of alcoholism and alcohol abuse.

Barry Decides Schedule an Appointment to See His Family Doctor

After talking about his excessive alcohol drinking and his excessive and hazardous drinking with his girlfriend, he finally made up his mind to make an appointment to see his physician. When Barry saw his doctor, he genuinely confirmed that he has been drinking in a hazardous manner, that he may be exhibiting alcoholic signs, and that he wants to abstain from drinking. He said that drinking responsibly and in moderation doesn’t work well for him and, as a consequence, he wants to learn how he can develop an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Barry also told his healthcare professional about his depression and how this mental health problem was negatively influencing his relationship with his lady friend. His physician referred Barry to Doctor Rako, a drug and alcohol addiction specialist, who influenced Barry to enter into a drug and alcohol treatment clinic as an in-patient for alcohol detoxification and alcohol rehabilitation. The good news is that Barry would also be able to get medical treatment for his depression at this treatment clinic.

Refraining From Drinking Was the Best Decision Barry Had Ever Made

After four months of comprehensive rehabilitation, Barry left the residential treatment facility and continued his recovery via outpatient therapy and via going to local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Encouraged to change his life in a healthier way, Barry bought some vitamins at a health store and a cookbook. He then joined a fitness center and started working out two or three times per week. Within nine months Barry was a new man. He was in shape, he was eating nutritious meals, he now looked younger than he was, he wasn’t depressed anymore, and most significant of all, he remained sober for numerous months. He also didn’t resort to angry outbursts, he became more patient, and he became a more compassionate person in his relationship with his girlfriend. Stated briefly, abstaining from drinking was the best decision Barry had ever made.

<p>Shelly was known at work as really conservative human being who had a great work record. She in no way attended any of the happy hours following work and it was well-known through the workplace that she was an extremely spiritual individual who generally talked about the risks of alcohol abuse and alcoholism in our country.</p> <p>Try to think of the surprise within the company when one Monday morning Shelly didn’t show up for work and nobody had heard from her. In reality, it wasn’t until close to 11:45 in the morning that the human resources department received a phone call about Shelly from the city jail.</p> <p><strong>Shelly Goes Out Partying Together With a Several of Her College Buddies</strong></p> <p>Evidently, Shelly went out drinking with a handful of her university pals Saturday night and at some time close to 3:15 Sunday morning, Shelly was arrested for a DUI. Considering that her blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was extremely high, she was mandated to spend two days inside the downtown jail.</p> <p><strong>Shelly Talks to Her Manager and The Human Resources Director</strong></p> <p>When Shelly arrived at work on Tuesday morning, she instantly informed her boss what had taken place and she asked if she could go and talk with the Human Resources manager about her "drunk driving" arrest.</p> <p>When she got to the Human Resources department and met with the manager, she discussed that she hadn’t been inebriated since her university days and that she was very humiliated about her "drunk driving" arrest. She also articulated the point that she needed some help locating an experienced and successful "driving under the influence" lawyer who would represent her DWI case. More to the point, Shelly really wanted the Human Resources manager to agree that she needed to see a <a href="http://www.drug-addiction-info.com/DUI_Lawyer_Info.html">DUI attorney</a>.</p> <p>The Human Resources director told Shelly that she needs to schedule an appointment with someone inside the company employee’s assistance program to go over any potential drinking issue that she may have. The HR director also mentioned that she needs to explain her need to employ a "drunk driving" attorney to represent her concerning her "driving under the influence" case.</p> <p>Moreover, the Human Resources director told Shelly that it was positive that she hoped to employ a "driving under the influence" attorney mainly because of the difficulties and problematic consequences that happen to be related to a DUI conviction.</p> <p>The Human Resources manager could tell that Shelly was apparently depressed and humiliated by this entire situation. As a consequence, he informed Shelly that while he doesn’t feel that conscientious individuals ought to ever get behind the steering wheel after consuming alcohol, regrettably these scenarios at times transpire to very good persons.</p> <p>The Human Resources director then stated that since such a predicament can't be undone, what is essential is what the particular person does from this point in time forward. As expressed by the Human Resources manager, “does the particular person learn from his or her mistakes or does the person develop a pattern of alcohol related issues that cause the person long-term pain and suffering”?</p> <p><strong>Fortunately, Shelly Did Not Have a History of Hazardous Drinking</strong></p> <p>Just before finishing their discussion, the Human Resources director informed Shelly that it was very positive that she doesn’t have a history of irresponsible drinking drinking. Not only this but she hasn’t had an alcohol-related issue since her college days (which was nearly 6 years ago). As a result, Shelly ought to be in a position to face her "driving while intoxicated" arrest with embarrassment but also with a degree of self-confidence knowing that she will encounter and process this predicament and turn out to be a healthier person in the not too distant future.</p> <p>Shelly thanked the Human Resources director for his caring and stimulating words and then walked over to the company employee’s assistance program go over her "drunk driving" arrest, her involvement in hazardous and abusive drinking drinking over the weekend, and her wish to employ a DWI lawyer to represent her "drunk driving" case.</p> <p>After listening to Shelly's "story," the psychologist that was part of the company employee’s assistance program described Shelly's immediate "game plan" that she needed to address and follow. First, she would be required to take a DUI class to learn more <a href="http://www.alcohol-treatment-info.com/DUI_Frequently_Asked_Questions.html">DUI facts</a> and information. Second, she would also be required to take an alcohol abuse class to address her possible drinking problem. And finally, it would be an especially intelligent thing to do if she were to consult with a <a href="http://www.about-alcohol-info.com/DUI_Attorney_Info.html">DUI lawyer</a> about her DUI arrest.</p> <p><strong>Shelly Feels a Sense of Relief Knowing That She Will Learn From Her Mistake and Turn Out To Be More Responsible</strong></p> <p>It was very clear that Shelly was highly depressed with the whole DUI predicament, but right after talking to the Human Resources manager and to the therapist inside the company employee’s assistance program, she felt encouraged that she would in fact learn from her oversight and turn out to be even more healthy, more sensible, and an even more grateful individual.</p>

Shelly was identified at work as an extremely conservative person who had a superb attendance record. She in no way attended any of the happy hours right after work and it was recognized throughout the office that she was an extremely religious person who usually spoke about the potential issues of alcohol abuse and addiction to alcohol in our country.

Try to imagine the shock inside the company when one Monday morning Shelly did not show up for work and no one had heard from her. In truth, it wasn’t until about 9:30 in the morning that the human resources department received a phone call about Shelly from the the jail downtown.

Shelly Goes Out Partying With a Handful of Her College Classmates and Friends

Evidently, Shelly went out drinking with a handful of her university buddies Saturday night and sometime close to 2:45 Sunday morning, Shelly was arrested for “drunk driving”. Because her blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was particularly high, she had to spend one day inside the county jail.

Shelly Has a Talk With Her Manager and The Human Resources Manager

When Shelly came to work on Tuesday morning, she promptly told her boss what had transpired and she asked if she might possibly go and talk with the Human Resources director about her “driving under the influence” arrest.

When she got to the Human Resources department and met with the manager, she discussed that she hadn’t been drunk since her university days and that she was rather humiliated about her “driving while intoxicated” arrest. She also stressed the point that she required some assistance locating a highly skilled and productive “driving while intoxicated” attorney who would represent her DUI case. Stated another way, Shelly really wanted the Human Resources director to agree that she needed to see a DUI attorney.

The Human Resources director told Shelly that she needs to schedule an appointment with someone in the company employee’s assistance program to discuss any possible drinking problem that she might have. The HR manager also articulated that she needs to explain her need to employ a “drunk driving” attorney to represent her with respect to her “drunk driving” case.

Furthermore, the Human Resources director told Shelly that it was encouraging that she hoped to employ a “driving under the influence” lawyer simply because of the complexities and harsh issues that happen to be affiliated with a “drunk driving” conviction.

The Human Resources director could tell that Shelly was clearly depressed and humiliated by this entire predicament. For this reason he told Shelly that while he doesn’t feel that conscientious men and women ought to ever get behind the wheel right after consuming alcohol, unfortunately these predicaments at times happen to very good persons.

The Human Resources manager then mentioned that since such a scenario cannot be undone, what is crucial is what the particular person does from this moment in time forward. As articulated by the Human Resources manager, “does the particular person learn from his or her errors or does she or he develop a pattern of alcohol related problems that cause the individual long-term suffering and pain”?

Fortunately, Shelly Did Not Have a History of Excessive and Heavy Drinking

Just before finishing their conversation, the Human Resources manager shared with Shelly that it was quite positive that she doesn’t have a record of hazardous drinking drinking. Furthermore, she hasn’t had an alcohol-related issue since her university days (which was around 12 years ago). Consequently, Shelly ought to be able to face her “driving while intoxicated” arrest with sorrow but also with some assurance knowing that she will face and process this condition and turn out to be a healthier person down the road.

Shelly thanked the Human Resources director for his helpful and stimulating words and then walked over towards the company employee’s assistance program go over her “drunk driving” arrest, her participation in abusive and careless drinking drinking over the weekend, and her wish to hire a DUI lawyer to represent her “driving under the influence” case.

After reflecting on Shelly’s “story,” the physician that was part of the company employee’s assistance program described Shelly’s immediate “game plan” that she needed to address and follow. First, she would be required to take a DUI class to learn more DUI facts and information. Second, she would also be required to take an alcohol abuse class to address her possible drinking problem. And finally, it would be an especially sensible thing to do if she were to talk to a DUI lawyer about her “drunk driving” arrest.

Shelly Feels a Sense of Relief Knowing That She Will Learn From Her Blunder and Become More Accountable

It was very clear that Shelly was particularly disrupted with the whole “driving under the influence” circumstance, but right after talking to the Human Resources director and to the healthcare professional in the company employee’s assistance program, she felt comfort knowing that she would in truth learn from her blunder and turn out to be even more healthy and balanced, even more dependable, and an even more thankful individual.

On an annual basis, how many alcoholics fail to get the professional alcohol treatment they require? How many people die each year from a condition that is 100% preventable, such as alcohol poisoning? How many individuals are the victims of alcohol related crime or violence each and every year? How many individuals get injured or lose their lives in alcohol related traffic accidents every year? How many people face serious consequences in their lives because they received a “drunk driving” conviction? How many junior high, high school, and college students lose their lives every year due to an alcohol overdose? How many children are born each year with fetal alcohol syndrome? How many people’s lives are cut short due to hazardous and irresponsible drinking? How many individuals lose their lives every year because of drinking problems?

Why Would Anyone Want to Drink in an Abusive and Irresponsible Manner?

So what’s the point in asking these questions? Basically to highlight the destructive and devastating nature of unhealthy drinking. Indeed, and based on the above questions, I wonder why anyone would choose to drink in an excessive and irresponsible manner.

Stated differently, with the host of employment issues, financial problems, legal proceedings, relationship difficulties, and health dilemmas that are correlated with alcoholism and chronic alcohol abuse, why would any person with common sense want to drink in an excessive and hazardous manner? In fact when some of the above topics are looked at more closely, careless and hazardous drinking makes even less sense and becomes more illogical.

Wouldn’t you think that chronic alcohol abusers would be able to see some of the alcohol symptoms that they manifest? In a similar way doesn’t it seem reasonable to think that many more families would involve themselves in an alcohol intervention for the person in the household who is an alcoholic or an alcohol abuser? Not only this but wouldn’t you think that individuals who drink excessively would try to learn more about their drinking behavior by reading about various alcohol related statistics?

After reviewing the medical research literature, the point is so critical that it needs to be said again: With all of the damaging and debilitating outcomes that are directly or indirectly correlated with repetitive and continuous alcohol abuse and alcoholism, why would any individual want to engage in abusive and unhealthy drinking?

What Can be Done About the Extensive Nature of Alcohol Dependency and Alcohol Abuse in the U.S.?

So what can be done about the extensive nature of alcohol addiction and alcohol abuse in the U.S.?

1. Our students need more relevant and more meaningful preventative and educational approaches and methods so that more students at all grade levels, including those at college, are “reached.
2. In a similar manner, our students need to learn how to become problem solvers in life rather than getting easily drawn to the “instant gratification” and the “quick fix” of a drug or alcohol abuse “buzz” or “high”.
3. People who are alcohol abusers or alcohol dependent need to look look at themselves honestly and ask why they are not getting the professional alcohol rehab they need.
4. Society needs to get the message to more people about the damaging and unhealthy outcomes of abusive and hazardous drinking.

There’s Room For Optimism if Those Who Engage in Careless and Abusive Drinking Can Become Motivated to Get the Alcohol Rehab They Require

There’s a lot of room for optimism and hope if individuals can start drinking responsibly and those who engage in abusive and excessive drinkingcan become motivated to get the alcohol rehab they require. Indeed, why put your loved ones through pain, turmoil, and suffering because of your repeated and continuous drinking when you have the power to control your life by drinking responsibly or even quitting drinking if you can’t control your drinking behavior?

Approximately five months ago I had dinner with a thirty-five-year-old male named Alexander who suffers from acute depression, has relationship issues, and who is drug and alcohol dependent. As explained by Alexander, it is his alcoholism and drug addiction and his severe depression that had the most to do with his continual relationship issues.

I recall hearing that a history of mental health issues, chemical dependency, and unhealthy and abusive drinking routinely take place in the same family. What is more, I remember hearing that in such situations, a person needs to get treatment for both medical conditions and that addiction and mental health problems many times occur in the same person.

As affirmed by Alexander, he is so overwhelmed by his relationship difficulties and by both of his medical conditions that he basically has little or no drive to do much of anything. What is especially unfortunate about this is that earlier in his life, Alexander managed to finish four semesters of graduate school in criminology.

Alexander’s condition makes me question if he is an illustration of a person who can look in the mirror and see his drug abuse and alcohol drinking problems and do something healthy about these difficulties or if he is a person who has to hit life’s bottom before he gets drug and alcohol dependency counseling that results in long lasting sobriety.

The Need For a Counseling Protocol He Can Believe In and a Physician He Can Trust

If it would be beneficial I would assume that I could recommend more than a few blogs and websites that could possibly help him learn more about drug abuse symptoms, the stages of alcoholism, substance abuse information, and relationship problems. In my humble opinion, however, Alexander needs to find a treatment protocol he can believe in and follow over the long term and find a therapist he can trust.

I could be mistaken but it seems to me that Alexander more likely than not needs to look in the mirror regarding his drug addiction signs and alcoholic symptoms and understand the fact that he cannot abuse drugs or even drink responsibly if he wants to get sober, stay sober, and start on the path to long-term recovery.

It may be asked how therapy would help his drug and alcohol dependency. For starters, there are quite a few newly produced doctor-prescribed medications that can help Alexander through his withdrawal symptoms, through the alcohol and alcohol detoxification process, and help him avoid a drug or an alcohol relapse.

Second, Alexander would learn to acknowledge the fact that there is entirely nothing productive about substance abuse and excessive and careless drinking and that messing around with one or both conditions is the road to legal problems, shattered relationships, financial difficulties, a premature death, deteriorating health, and poor work and school performance.

Third, treatment for his relationship difficulties and his depression might help him manage these mental health problems more effectively and perhaps create less of a need for him to engage in addictive behavior.

The Relevance of Support Groups Like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous

There are feasibly numerous friends, other individuals, and family members who would like to help Alexander with his drug abuse and his excessive and abusive drinking. He probably would experience greater sympathy from a recovery group such as Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous, however, instead of getting guidance from individuals who do not drink or who have never taken drugs.

When Individuals Accomplish Things They Like and About Which They Are Zealous

There’s a philosophical viewpoint that proclaims that individuals who do things they like and something about which they are dedicated arrive at an astonishing place in life. Stated more exactly, when people do what they enjoy, they hardly ever experience an uneventful life or boredom. If they get involved in something that is worthwhile, furthermore, they become more complete and experience more pleasure and joy in life and in their relationships.

When this is examined in more detail it becomes apparent that this positive perspective is the exact opposite of a life that is rooted in drug and alcohol addiction because such a lifestyle removes the satisfaction and joy that life has to offer.

Since Alexander lacks the determination to carry out much of anything in his life, it is apparent that he desperately needs some hope for a healthier existence. And the sad thing is that hope is all around Alexander if he could only get to the place in life to get the counseling he requires for his acute depression and alcoholism and drug addiction and remain in his treatment protocol.

More Positive Relationships, A Wonderful Life, Self Respect, and Productive Change Are Possibilities

Alexander is simply too young to be defeated in life. He doesn’t realize this right now but if he can learn how to abstain from drugs and alcohol through alcohol and drug rehabilitation and get the counseling he needs for his severe depression, he can turn his life around and start living with direction, self-respect, and passion.

More solid relationships, beneficial change, self respect, and a wonderful life are certainly possibilities for Alexander if only he could become inspired to get the professional rehab he requires, follow through with his therapy regimen, live his life in an addiction-free and healthy manner, and learn how to cultivate a more positive attitude about life.

For the past eighteen years Jenny has been a nurse at a county hospital. Furthermore she has also been teaching Sunday school at the local Presbyterian Church. Although she lived in a medium size country community where it seemed like every person knew everyone’s business, very little was known about Jenny. Without a doubt virtually everyone knew that she had worked several years as a registered nurse and that she taught Sunday school for as long as she was a resident of their small town. Besides that, however, it almost seemed as if Jenny was simply a visitor in their community.

You can envisage the fervor that took place when it was revealed that one Sunday morning Jenny had passed out due to intoxication. In fact, the article in the local daily paper stated that Jenny not only passed out, but that she also received a DUI because her blood alcohol content was substantially more than the legal limit. This is certainly one of the alcohol effects on the body that no Sunday school teacher wants to have broadcasted to the entire community. But this is precisely what occurred, much to the chagrin of Jenny.

Jenny Gets Quite Embarrassed About Her Arrest For Driving While Intoxicated

Needless to say, Jenny was extremely dismayed about her DWI. Not only should she have known better about driving while inebriated because of her nursing profession, but she also should have held herself accountable to a more lofty benchmark because of the basic fact that she taught Sunday school.

After her arrest, Jenny thought about moving out of town so that she would not have to feel distraught about her arrest and also so she wouldn’t have to give details about her actions for the millionth time to the other members of her community. After speaking with her pastor, then again, she decided that she would get alcohol treatment at a local rehab center. She did this for two specific reasons. First, it was relatively easy for her to drive to a local rehabilitation hospital. And second, she genuinely wanted the word to get out among all the people in town that she was truly dealing with her careless and abusive drinking.

Jenny Goes Through Alcohol Detox and Gets a Thorough Exam

After Jenny went through alcohol detoxification, she got extensively examined by a healthcare practitioner at the drug and alcohol treatment facility. She then underwent various lab procedures where it was established that she was not an alcoholic but instead was engaging in excessive and abusive drinking. In a word Jenny was engaging in long term alcohol abuse.

Jenny was given the choice of getting alcohol treatment as an in-patient or getting alcohol counseling as an outpatient. Jenny, nonetheless, believed that she could still work as a registered nurse and retain her Sunday school teaching job if she were to be admitted as an out-patient and this is specifically what she did.

According to her rehab action plan, Jenny went to three counseling sessions every two weeks, she learned quite a lot about alcohol info, she worked on her homework “projects,” and she learned how to do things in life that did not involve alcohol.

After fourteen weeks, Jenny realized that her unhealthy and excessive drinking was under control and so she got discharged from the drug and alcohol rehabilitation hospital under the stipulation that she would return for follow up counseling once per month for the next nine months. Jenny agreed and followed through on her “pledge.”

Jenny Finally Determines to Refrain From Any and All Drinking Situations and Finds Out That Her Self Confidence Increases

After she completed her rehabilitation Jenny reasoned that she would be able to drink more responsibly and in moderation. After reflecting on things more thoroughly, nonetheless, she figured out that she would totally remove herself from any and all drinking situations.

When Jenny arrived at this conclusion, she found out that her self-worth increased the more she took control over her life. And as her positive attitude about herself grew more pronounced, it seemed like she became more extroverted and started going to more town functions such as flower festivals, local high school football and basketball games, music festivals, Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, strawberry festivals, rib roasts, and carnivals.

Jenny Faces Her Abusive Drinking, Comes to a Decision To Do Something Productive About It, and Reaffirms Her Faith

As the time passed, the people in the community manifested more affection for Jenny because she was interacting with them more frequently and also because she addressed her hazardous drinking and did something constructive about it. It may have been her imagination, but it also seemed as if her Sunday school pupils displayed more affection and respect for her.

Jenny is a living example of someone who faced a major issue and who did something productive about it. She is also a person who discovered that her religious faith is not only something that is intrinsic, but that it is also something that affects the way in which an individual interrelates with other individuals.

Jesse had an exceedingly hard time maintaining a job. To be sure, due to his indolence and lack of motivation, he was jobless far more regularly than he was in work. And when he did land a job, he had a particularly hard time getting to work when his shift began, he characteristically got less than passing performance reviews, and he called off sick so often that he almost always got fired a few weeks after he began working. To no one’s surprise, one of the results of Jesse’s awful work record was the fact that he was virtually without a dime on a day-to-day basis.

In spite of Jesse’s less than great work history and financial misconduct, on the other hand, somehow he made it a point to drink in an abusive and irresponsible manner on an everyday basis.

So it came as no big shock when Jesse got a second DWI. When he went before the court, the judge explained to Jesse that his alcohol-related behavior was appalling and, consequently, he was going to sentence Jesse to spend nine months in the city jail.

Time In Jail To Reflect On The Harmful Consequences of Excessive Drinking

During his time in the municipal jail, Jesse was expected to learn more about alcohol facts, about the destructive results of irresponsible and excessive drinking, and he was expected to get alcohol counseling. The magistrate stressed the fact that unless Jesse gets professional alcohol treatment and discovers how to live a life of sobriety, he will quite possibly be spending a considerable amount of time placed behind bars.

Jesse said that he understood what the judge was pronouncing but he still proclaimed that placement in the city jail was not the right sentence. The magistrate saw things from an entirely different vantage point and declared that it was his job to keep alcohol addicted people off the streets who drive under the influence and who get multiple DWIs. To substantiate this statement, the magistrate listed some respected, extensively researched alcohol statistics that underscored some of the disruptive effects that are associated with hazardous and excessive drinking.

Although Jesse grasped the fact that he drank in a hazardous and abusive manner, he never believed that he was an alcohol addicted individual. So it was a real bombshell when Jesse started suffering from symptoms of withdrawal just about four-and-a-half hours after getting incarcerated.

To monitor his alcohol withdrawals in a safe and secure manner, Jesse was transferred to a drug and alcohol rehab center for alcohol detox and then returned to the county jail. While behind bars Jesse undertook alcohol treatment but due to the fact that he received this rehabilitation as something that was imposed upon him, he was unsuccessful in taking ownership of his excessive drinking.

When his time behind bars was over, the magistrate without indecision told Jesse that he would be under careful observation and would be mandated to take random blood alcohol tests.

Jessie’s Excessive and Hazardous Drinking Stops Him From Living in a Productive and Mature Manner

After hearing how Jesse was unsuccessful in taking ownership of his drinking situation and how he unenthusiastically followed the therapy procedures while in jail, the magistrate knew that it was essentially a matter of time before he would be seeing Jesse once again in court about his excessive drinking behavior. As the judge thought about Jesse’s situation, he couldn’t help but think about how some individuals never ”get it” and discover how to live in a responsible manner.

Jerry and Sarah have been married for five years. They wanted to have some fun and excitement before they made up their minds to have children and so they willfully developed a very dynamic social life.

The basic difficulty, it needs to be stressed, is that virtually everything they do to have fun includes drinking. For instance, all of the parties with friends, dinner engagements, happy hours, sporting events, and family get-togethers they patronize are related to drinking.

Jerry and Sarah Begin to Take Note of Some Instantly Recognizable Alcohol Related Issues That are Without a Doubt Related to Their Irresponsible Drinking

If they were moderate or responsible drinkers, this wouldn’t be such a major problem. Because they drink quite irresponsibly, nonetheless, they are starting to notice some clearly identifiable alcohol-related problems in their lives.

For example, just two weeks ago Jerry was arrested for his first DWI and has been ignoring responsibilities at work due to alcohol-related health problems. Moreover, Jerry’s last two or three performance reviews at the office have been less than creditable and he has begun to forget what he does or says when he drinks. Finally, Jerry has been experiencing sleep-related problems and his family is starting to exhibit anxiety about his drinking difficulties.

Similar to Jerry’s circumstances, Sarah has been feeling down in the dumps about life in general and to cope with this, she has been drinking more than any time in the past eight months. Moreover, Sarah has been getting a lot of headaches and suffering from painful hangovers after drinking. As a final point, Sarah has been feeling substantially less energetic when she awakens in the morning, she has been getting to work late at least once per week, and she has been getting some negative criticism from her family members, friends, coworkers, and relatives about her heavy drinking.

Watching the Television and Inadvertently Discovering An Attention-Grabbing Documentary About the Signs of Alcohol Addiction

One Friday evening while watching TV, Sarah and Jerry happened upon an interesting program about the signs of alcoholism.

This TV special was a real surprise to Jerry and Sarah because quite a few of the alcoholism signs that were listed gave them the impression that they were unwaveringly linked to several of the alcohol-related drinking problems Jerry and Sarah had been suffering through.

A Truthful Conversation About Drinking Circumstances Reveals Alcohol Related Relationship, Legal, Financial, Employment, and Health Problems

After watching the television special, Jerry and Sarah made up their minds to have a truthful conversation about their drinking behavior. They both were in agreement that most, if not all, of their social functions were associated with drinking, that they were drinking in an excessive manner, and that as a couple, they were beginning to observe alcohol related relationship, financial, legal, employment, and health problems for the first time in their lives.

With thoughts of the television documentary still running through her mind, Sarah asked Jerry if some of the alcoholism signs they have been displaying could be a warning that they are addicted to alcohol or possibly becoming addicted to alcohol. Jerry didn’t know the answer to Sarah’s inquiry and so he recommended that they make an appointment with one of the physicians at the local alcohol abuse rehabilitation facility to find out more about the severity of their drinking difficulties.

Concentrating On Your Drinking Issues Just May Lower Your Trepidation and Give You Some Quietude

Ironically, although their drinking circumstances hadn’t yet changed, it was clear to see that Sarah and Jerry were at least facing their drinking problems, they were ready to find out more about their drinking behavior, and they were interested in learning how they could substantially cut back on or eliminate the drinking-related difficulties that had started to emerge.

When Sarah and Jerry went to bed that evening, they made up their minds that the next day, Jerry would call and schedule an appointment for both of them at the substance abuse treatment facility located just North of the State Capital. After they made a promise to one another that they would do whatever it takes to rise above the alcohol-related difficulties that had emerged in their lives, they truly had the most refreshing night’s sleep they could recollect in the last nine months.

Just before he fell asleep, Jerry turned to Sarah and remarked how painless it is to decrease one’s trepidation and actually experience some peace of mind by handling one’s problems with conviction and making up one’s mind to do something affirmative about them.

Larry was a seventeen year old high school junior who was manifesting several alcohol-related problems at school. For that reason, the principal informed him that he had to see Miss Johns, the school counselor, before he would be permitted to return to class.

Later that afternoon when Larry went home after school, he had to go over his school suspension with his parents. His parents were “fairly conventional” and informed Larry that dropping out of school was not a doable educational plan of action. They explained to Larry that failing to graduate from high school would more likely than not be like a lead weight around his legs that may hurt his educational attainment for the rest of his adult life. Furthermore, Larry’s Mom and Dad were quite displeased that he was drinking in the first place and drinking with his pals in the second.

His parents explained to Larry that even though he may be young, he needs to comprehend fairly rapidly that drinking is the route to failure, pain, financial problems, and ill health.

It was plain to see that his Mom and Dad were absolutely in concurrence with Larry’s principal and explained to Larry that he had to see Miss Johns, the school psychologist. After his talk with his Mom and Dad, Larry at long last agreed to see Miss Johns the next school day. So Larry phoned the school and made an appointment to see Miss Johns the next morning before school.

The Therapist Asks Larry if He Understands Why His Recent Alcohol-Related Activities Caused Quite a Bit of Apprehension By the School Administrators

When Larry went to see Miss Johns, she instantly analyzed all of the alcohol-related problems Larry had gotten into and asked him if he knew why his recent alcohol-related activities were such a cause for concern.

Quite honestly, Larry was unsure why the principal informed him that he had to see a school counselor. As he stated to Miss Johns, why should he see a professional counselor about his drinking circumstances? In view of the fact that virtually all of his peers drink the same amount that he does, in essence, drinking shouldn’t be such a big issue. Stated another way, if almost everybody is drinking, why is this such a major concern?

Miss Johns asked Larry when he started to drink alcoholic beverages. He said that some of his older pals introduced him to drinking hard liquor when he was twelve or thirteen years old and in the seventh grade.

Miss Johns told Larry that while his classmates may in fact drink more than he does and that they may be a negative influence on him, the facts are that he is the one who is getting discharged from school due to alcohol-related absenteeism, fighting, and delinquency, not his friends. What is more, Miss Johns also underlined the fact that Larry, and not his peers, is the one who is failing and who is missing almost two days of class per week because of his alcohol related problems. Finally, Miss Johns stressed the fact that due to his drinking circumstances, Larry is getting into a negative cycle of alcohol abuse that can finally wreck his hopes, dreams and aspirations.

In a word, Larry’s involvement with adolescent alcohol abuse was beginning to impede his ability to conduct himself like a responsible young man. As stated by Miss Johns, “Just because most of your friends drink wine coolers, wine, hard liquor, or beer does not mean that it is the best thing in the world for you.”

Larry Learns That Ultimately He Must Take Responsibility For Himself In Order to Steer Clear of Dangerous, Destructive, Damaging, and Unhealthy Consequences Down the Road

Miss Johns explained to Larry that one’s friends can undeniably influence an individual in a negative way, but that the person herself or himself has to in due course take responsibility for herself or himself in order to stay away from unhealthy, dangerous, damaging, and destructive consequences in the foreseeable future.

Fortunately, Miss Johns was extremely well equipped for her scheduled meeting with Larry. She showed him research studies and reports she had underlined that listed different drinking facts and statistics that targeted most people in general. Then she showed Larry quite a bit of data that applied especially to teens.

For instance, Miss Johns emphasized the difference between alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction and explained to Larry that individuals who continue to drink in a hazardous manner continually become alcoholic.

Miss Johns also discussed the concept of binge drinking that she defined as follows: ingesting four or more drinks in one sitting for females and drinking four or more drinks in one sitting for females.

The Therapist Presents Several Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Dependency Facts and Statistics

Then Miss Johns presented the following eight alcoholism facts and alcohol abuse statistics:

1. Alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse cost the U.S. an estimated $220 billion in 2005. This dollar amount was more than the cost associated with cancer ($196 billion) or with obesity ($133 billion.

2. More than one-half of U.S. adults have a close relative or family member that has or has had alcoholism.

3. More than 75% of female victims of nonfatal, domestic violence stated that their assailant had been using drugs or drinking.

4. In the U.S. on an annual basis, more than one third of pedestrians killed by cars were legally intoxicated.

5. One national research study discovered that students are less likely to drink alcohol if they are socially accepted by individuals at school and believe that teachers treat students in a fair manner.

6. Research indicates that youth who use alcohol may remember 10 percent less of what they have learned than teens who don’t drink.

7. Around ten to twenty percent of the individuals who drink heavily ultimately develop cirrhosis of the liver (i.e., a scarring of the liver that can be fatal).

8. Up to forty percent of the U.S. industrial fatalities and 47 percent of industrial injuries are related to alcohol abuse or alcoholism.

Larry Receives An Important Wake Up Call About the Short Term and the Long Term Consequences of Youth Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Dependency

After Miss Johns listed the aforementioned alcohol dependency and alcohol abuse facts and statistics, it was plain to see that what Miss Johns revealed to Larry was a real jolt to him. Why? Because for the first time in his young life, someone not only took the time to explain the short term and the long term consequences of alcoholism and alcohol abuse, but she also made the effort to substantiate what she was saying with alcohol dependency and alcohol abuse statistics and facts that related to everyone, and especially to teenagers.

Without a doubt, it was almost as if a light went on and Larry at once comprehended why he should not be engaging in hazardous and abusive drinking with or without his peers any longer. Larry thanked Miss Johns for her concern and for the material she presented.

Miss Johns then asked Larry how he felt about getting a physical exam and an alcohol assessment for the alcohol abuse or alcohol dependency treatment he would probably need.

Larry thought about this for a minute and then agreed to get an extensive physical examination and to go through a thorough assessment of his drinking circumstances so that he could start an alcohol abuse or alcoholism treatment program immediately.