April is alcohol awareness month. While I do not pay a lot of attention to all of the monthly celebratory moments that seem to pop up, this one is important. The events of these last two years, certainly starting with being locked down during a pandemic led many people to minor challenges such as adapting to new family dynamics at home, new ways to work, the need to budget, or concern over health. But some people have seen major challenges such as lost jobs, broken families, and anxiety over world news. Sadly, there are so many other examples.
In the last 4 weeks, four people have reached out to me with alcohol related concerns. That is way too many people in my small circle to go unnoticed. Alcohol is a disease and there is a point at which it takes control of a person and they only find solace in drink. Everything else seems overwhelming.
I am writing today not to speak to the person with the drinking problem, but speaking to those who love them. Please, ask questions. Confront the person you love. Get help for both of you. While the situation may not be dire yet, stopping it now will avoid heartache and hardship later. To the person watching from the outside, the avoidance of everyday life makes no sense; but, logic is not part of the equation for the person feeling lost or mired in pain. And the solution may be tough love from you. Really tough.
I wish I could say the journey will be easy - for both of you. But ignoring it will be much harder. Some resources which may be useful are listed below. I will be praying for all those in need to have courage, faith and perseverance. And that your loved one finds something of greater in value than alcohol.
Be well my friends,
Jackie
Resources:
https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/