by pennstatenews

Alcohol is both a fad and an addictive habit, which wrecks havoc in the lives of not just those who consume it, but also those directly or indirectly related to these people. Consuming alcohol often starts out either as a social habit or to get respite from problems and worries. But once started it is a habit that cannot be shaken off and consumption levels consistently increase. The end result is that alcohol begins to take its toll on health, efficiency, ability to work and concentrate, behavioral changes and even displays of violent temper. The sufferers with all this are innocent children and women who become victims of abuse. They might silently endure or try to use interventive methods of reducing the person’s intake of alcohol to permissible levels at least.

Alcohol intervention involves reaching out to the alcohol addict, and being able to convince him or her about the ill effects of their consumption habits. Intervention is considered to be successful if the addict agrees to accept treatment and sincerely follows steps listed to help out of his addictive habit. Unfortunately, most alcohol addicts remain blissfully unaware of the damage their habit can lead to, and tend to justify the expense as well as the time wasted in the exercise. Intervention can be initiated by a family member, a friend or well-wisher, who could even turn to organizations that conduct regular intervention programs for alcoholics and drug addicts. Scores of websites also offer substantial amounts of information about successful drug intervention. Another source of help and support are help lines that are operational all 24 hours of the day, offering all types of assistance and advice.

Ideally, alcohol intervention must begin sooner rather than later, as old habits do die hard. It may also require considerable amount of time and energy from the partner initiating the intervention process. This would include positive conversations, creating a warm, positive environment, ensure lack of idle time by starting activities of interest, avoidance of nagging and also roping in other family members to create a suitable environment for the person to successfully shake off his bad habit. If it is found that the habit is linked to work-related stress then, even the office colleagues can be taken into confidence to provide assistance and support. The severity of the addiction eventually determines the extent and quality of intervention. New addicts can be weaned off alcohol with comparative ease, as opposed to those who have been in the habit for long. The bottom line is that whatever the time span of alcohol consumption beyond permissible limits, it can cause severe damages physically and emotionally on the person himself and just as much, if not more, on his family members.