Your Lake Arrowhead Realtor would like to share some local Lake Arrowhead Information with you.
Quite often I share personal tidbits about my life. WHY? Because I'm hoping, by sharing, to help bring certain topics to "light." Though a very dark & ugly subject, I feel alcoholism is in our face on a daily basis. I grew up in a family with several alcoholics: An uncle burned to death in a car. A grandfather died in a gutter, drunk. Another relative died of cirrhosis of the liver.
ALCOHOLICS comes in all shapes, sizes, ages, colors and nationalities. The disease does not discriminate.
Below are factors that may lead to excessive drinking that contribute to the addiction process:
- Genetics. Certain genetic factors may cause a person to be vulnerable to alcoholism/addictions.
- Emotional state. High levels of stress, anxiety or emotional pain may lead some people to drink alcohol to block out the turmoil. Certain stress hormones may be associated with alcoholism.
- Psychological factors. Low self-esteem or depression may make you more likely to abuse alcohol. Having friends or a close partner who drinks regularly - but who may not abuse alcohol - could promote excessive drinking on your part. It may be difficult for you to distance yourself from these "enablers" or at least from their drinking habits.
- Social and cultural factors. The glamorous way that drinking alcohol is portrayed in advertising and in the media may send the message that it's OK to drink excessively.
Fortunately, I don't know what it's like to be an alcoholic. But I do know what its like to have loved ones who are. If you have a loved one suffering with this disease, or any addiction, there are places in the Lake Arrowhead area where they can go. Or, you can go to try and better understand how to live with a loved one who suffers with alcoholism.
The Altitude Adjustment in Blue Jay
AA Meeting Groups in Crestline, Running Springs & Big Bear
Other sites that may be useful are Alcoholics Anonymous & The Mayo Clinic
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Kat,
Alcoholism is a very scary thing because it is so "stealth" due to drinking being a socially accepted past time.
Alcohol addicts sometimes don't even know how to help themselves until something tragic happens.
Kat,
Thanks for sharing that information. It is almost never the alcohol itself, but the underlying issues that need to be addressed. A difficult situation for everyone involved.
Ralph: I agree 100%
Jenna: You're welcome. I, too, believe it is usually the underlying issues!
Kat - this is such valuable information for folks to have in your area. There are so many people who deal with alcoholism or family members with this addiction and knowing some resources may just help save a life.
Jeff
Thanks, Jeff, I think so, too.