If Someone You Love Has a Problem





  • Substance abuse problems are prevalent in our society. Alcoholism runs about 10% for the general population of males and 5% for females. Smoking cigarettes is around 20%. Prescription and opiate drug use is up. Heroin has increased. There are a lot of people using mood altering substances and there are a lot of people who have substance abuse problems. You may feel alone, but the truth is you are not. Life can be very stressful when someone you love has a substance abuse problem.

     Drug abuse creates problems for individuals and families: Problems with the law. With the finances. With physical health. With mental health. With dreams and hopes. With cognitive functioning. With emotional functioning. With the kids. With couples. With friends. With employment. With school. Chemical abuse basically finds a way to pollute the life of a family slowly over time. It just keeps getting worse. 

     Stop Denial. Start Talking. It is often said that substance abuse problems in a family are like an elephant walking around in the living room that everyone pretends isn't there . No one wants to talk about it or deal with it. Indeed,  the first step is to stop denying, stop distorting or minimizing the truth, and start talking. This enables you to start moving forward instead of feeling like you are slowly spinning in place.

    If you think some of what I have written applies to you, then give me a call and let's have an honest, confidential conversation. You can begin to create a plan of action once you are open and honest about your reality. Others in your family may be in denial, but that doesn't mean that you have to be.You are entitled to have your own perceptions and your own voice. I hope you accept my sincere invitation to talk about your particular situation. 

    AlAnon is a national support group whose mission is to help the family members of someone who has an alcohol abuse problem. The meetings are free, and available to the general public seven nights a week. You can go to their website here.