5 Faces of Celebrity Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a physical addiction affecting the mental health, physical health, and familial, social, and work-related aspects of the afflicted individual. Alcohol becomes priority in the person’s life, dominating relationships and ambition. Alcoholism in celebrities can pose serious harm to the star’s career, public and personal life, while inhibiting or diminishing their success.

Truman Capote

In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany’s writer Truman Capote struggled publicly with drug addiction and alcoholism. The famed Novelist entered rehab during the 1970’s, but due to his already compromised state, died at age 59 in 1984. Truman’s failure to complete his final, unfinished offering, Unanswered Prayers has since been blamed on his prolonged substance issues.

Billy Joel

The Piano Man has admitted to a long struggle with alcohol abuse during adulthood. According to Joel, drinking was able to inhibit his personal relationships and career. Joel entered a rehabilitation facility following pleas from fellow musician Elton John. He remains clean and sober to this day.

Stephen King

The novelist behind classics, Stand by Me, Carrie, and The Green Mile struggled with alcohol and drug abuse for years. King entered treatment following a 1987 intervention by friends and family members and has maintained his sobriety ever since.

Robin Williams

Actor/Comedian Robin Williams dabbled in alcohol and cocaine abuse during his early career, but decided to quit following the death of friend John Belushi in 1982. When Williams began hitting the bottle again in 2006, he sought immediate treatment for his addiction. These days, Robin Williams is dry as dirt.

Ernest Hemingway

Perhaps the world’s most well-known literary alcoholic, Hemingway used alcohol heavily throughout his life. Over time, the writer experienced extreme physical and mental issues, aggravated by continued consumption. Ernest Hemingway chose to end his own life prematurely at age 61.

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How To Spot A Binge Drinker

Alcoholism is a serious issue affecting millions of people throughout the world. But in some cases, it may prove difficult to tell whether a person actually has an issue. When it comes to binge drinking – drinking an excessive amount of alcohol in a short period of time – there are a few signs to look for when determining whether someone has a problem. 

1 – Understand the difference between social and binge drinking. Social drinking commonly occurs at public or group events, such as a dinner party, BBQ, or night out with the girls. Social drinkers may indulge in a drink… maybe two, for the sake of being social. Maybe that second drink turns into a forth or fifth; Perhaps the individual becomes loud and belligerent; Do we even know what the count is anymore?  At this point, you may be looking at a binge drinker.

2 – Keep an eye out for the “point of no return.” For many alcohol enthusiasts, a fork in the road will present itself: Full steam ahead or full stop. This point can be in the middle of a drink, between drinks, or full abstention. Maintaining the ability to control this decision is often a deciding factor in whether or not you are dealing with a more serious issue. 

3 – Take an empty bottle inventory. Towards the end of the evening, set out all of the night’s empty bottles and take an accurate count to determine how much has been consumed.

4 – Take a close look at the drinker’s health to help identify a drinking problem. Measuring hangover intensity is a great way to determine whether or not someone is binging. Light headaches and a little crankiness is one thing… A debilitating migraine, blackouts and “couch days” are another.

5 – To determine whether a real binge has taken place, take a look around the home the following day for “crossover” drinking signs. This form of drinking refers to instances in which an individual consumes all the booze they have brought to an event, before proceeding to invade other sources. An empty liquor shelf or wine cellar is a red flag. A dry keg is a much stronger signal.

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When looking for the best alcohol and chemical dependency treatment centers, Los Angeles residents call Above It All. 

Stages Of Alcoholism

Alcoholism is viewed by most experts as a chronic condition, which must be addressed as such. Just as an individual with diabetes must manage their condition throughout life, so must the alcoholic.

Considerations

Certain people are able to abuse alcohol for many years before slipping into the grasp of addiction. Others notice the beginning stages of alcoholism after only a few experiences. An array of factors come into consideration when determining who is at risk for alcoholism. Heredity is one.

First Stage

The drinker begins using to self-medicate. The alcohol serves to reduce anxiety and release inhibition in the individual, resulting in a minor dependence. In some cases, alcoholics will only take part in events that revolve around alcohol use; withdrawing from those where it is prohibited.

Second Stage

The pattern of addiction is now more apparent. The alcoholic drinks more regularly and lacks the discipline to control their intake. Blackouts, hangovers and stomach issues are common occurrences by stage two, and the alcoholic is immersed in denial. Stage two is also the period where employment and relationships begin to take a back seat.

Third Stage

Addiction is king and holds priority over all else, including friends, family, employment and even morals. The alcoholic often finds themselves struggling with finances and health issues.

Consequences

An alcoholic who has reached the third stage of addiction must seek immediate help from a specialized addiction treatment facility. For friends and family members, this may be the time to consider an intervention or other form of pressure to help push recovery.

Communicating Concern For A Loved One’s Alcoholism

Communicating concern for a loved one’s alcoholism is an act that takes a great deal of strength, love, and courage. In most cases, it may appear easier to simply look the other way, though, in order for your relationship and your friend to continue, the issue must be addressed. Though the process can be emotionally draining, it is often far less complex than you might expect. In this entry, we will walk you though a few tips to help you express your concerns.

1 – Determine a location. Though it may seem natural to stage the conversation in a home setting, these areas often serve to create feelings of anxiety, defensiveness, and aggression. Opting for a quiet and neutral spot where you can both express yourselves will be ideal for subduing any harsh feelings and avoiding interruption.

2 – Choose your words wisely. Be compassionate, but focused. Beating around the bush will only increase defensive feelings, and will do little to serve your end goal.

Try using the word “I” more than the word “you.” “You are doing…” comes off much more aggressive than “I feel that…”

Plan out what you want to say beforehand to help ensure a smoother conversation. The better prepared you are, the easier this whole deal will be.

3 – Offer your support. Make sure to communicate your compassion and commitment to the relationship. The more positive you are, the better the chances your point will be well received. 

If you have a friend or family member struggling with an alcohol dependency, out Above It All treatment specialists are available to help. Give us a call today, and let us help your loved one back on track towards the happy, healthy, and fulfilling life they deserve. 

Addicted – Where Should You go

There are many reasons why people begin to abuse and become dependent upon alcohol or drugs. For those who will not or cannot stop, we only wish there was a way of preventing it from happening in the first place. But now you've come to the point where you find yourself seeking a solution. You're here because you need to find a drug treatment center or an alcohol rehab program that will make a difference that will help you and your loved one regain the lives you once had. Right Step can make that difference. We have treatment programs and solutions that can work for you.

People often hear words like detox, rehab, treatment, relapse and read or see things on TV about people trying and failing to get control of their drug and alcohol addiction. Maybe this is something you've already gone through or are dealing with right now. The question is, how do you find a residential inpatient program or an intensive outpatient program that can truly help? How can you find a Drug and Alcohol Rehab Program In California that can do more? How do you find a drug and alcohol addiction recovery program that can provide you the support you need and expect from a drug treatment center? We believe that Right Step is the answer to these questions and more.

The answer is simple.  At Above It All Recovery and Treatment Center, we stand ready to help you with any problem you may have.  We will design a recovery program for you that will meet your needs and provide a path for you to follow that leads to a life of sobriety.

Am I An Alcoholic?

Human beings are not designed to go through life alone.
No one has to bear the burden of tough times all by themselves

Alcohol addiction is a devastating disease. Though not everyone who drinks should be classified an alcoholic, those posing the question above may find the clarification they seek in the entry below. If you suspect yourself or someone you know of an alcohol addiction, the following entry may serve in alleviating your suspicions.

1 – One of the main symptoms associated with alcoholism is when an individual continues drinking even after their intake has resulted in negative and reoccurring issues in the person’s life. Missed work, neglected responsibilities, legal issues, or relationship problems garnered as a direct result of drinking may indicate dependency.

2 – Because alcoholism is progressive, the effects of excessive drinking will ultimately result in the continued deterioration of the drinkers emotional, social, and physical life. If you continue to drink in spite of issues cause by your drinking, you may very well be an alcoholic.

3 – If you are wondering whether you have an alcohol problem, them you probably do. If family members, friends, and co-workers have mentioned something about your alcohol intake, your drinking habits likely require further inspection.

4 – If you recognize that alcohol is causing issues in your life, make commitments to quit drinking, but continue drinking anyway; you probably have an alcohol problem. Drinkers who choose to change the type of alcohol they drink to something “a little lighter”, or who designate specific times where by they will allow themselves to drink are likely dealing with some form of alcohol addiction.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know are struggling with an alcohol addiction, our Above It All alcohol drug detox facility is the place to call. With a team of seasoned drug and alcohol addiction specialists available to address your individual needs, you can count on Above it All to have you in and on the road to recovery in no time. Call today!

What Is Alcohol Abuse ?

Alcohol abuse is any use of alcohol that harmful in any way.  Experts describe alcohol abusers as those who drink despite recurrent social, interpersonal, and legal problems as a result of alcohol use. Harmful use implies alcohol use that causes either physical or mental damage.

Alcohol abuse is different from alcoholism. While alcoholism is when you have signs of a physical addiction to alcohol and continue to drink despite physical health or mental health and social, family or job responsibilities.  Alcoholism can also control your life or relationships.

Alcohol abuse is when your drinking leads to problems, but not physical addiction.  Such problems could be drunk driving, public intoxication or leading to altercations with others who may or may not have been drinking.

Alcohol abuse could lead to a great financial drain as any arrest caused by drinking could lead to attorney fees, increased insurance costs, court fees and court ordered rehab costs.

If you are suffering from alcohol abuse and find yourself increasing your drinking and taking more chances, it may be time to seek some addiction help.  Take the time to talk to one of our counselors and see how we can design a program that is created with you in mind.  We will design a program that will give you the greatest chance of a relapse free recovery.  At Above It All Treatment Center, our purpose is to assist you in beating alcohol abuse and returning you to a stress and alcohol free life. Contact us today to find out what we can do for you.

Alcoholism vs Alcohol Abuse

Do you know the difference between Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse? 

Alcoholism (alcohol dependence) and alcohol abuse are two different forms of problem drinking.

• Alcoholism is when you have signs of physical addiction to alcohol and continues to drink, despite problems with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities. Alcohol may control your life and relationships.
• Alcohol abuse is when your drinking leads to problems, but not physical addiction.