The amount of people who abuse alcohol on a regular basis is higher now than ever before in history
. Some attribute the increase in alcoholism and drug use to the increased pressure in life and the fact that our core family structures are disintegrating. Alcohol is one of the most freely available "drugs" and to add fuel to the fire; its become perfectly acceptable to abuse it. People who suffer from alcohol addiction almost always started abusing it socially and before you know it, it grows into a very serious addiction that can be incredibly hard to break.
Fifty years ago, alcoholics were cast aside as "incurable" but lately its become much more scientific and with a combination of treatments and medication even the most hardened alcoholic can become sober and stay sober for life. If you have an alcohol problem then you are probably affecting everyone around you in a negative way. If you know someone close to you who are addicted, then you probably know how negative it can affect you.
The first and most important step to breaking the addiction is to get help. the act of reaching out to someone for help is the most important step you will ever take. this is not something you want to do alone. The most effective alcoholism treatment programs involve some sort of a support mechanism. You need to replace the dependency on alcohol with people that you can depend on.
There are countless support groups and organizations that can give you all the help and guidance you need. Joining AA is a great option as the program is proven to work. If you don't like the idea of group support, you can check yourself or your loved one into a private treatment center where personal care and attention can be given.
By getting professional help and guidance you can initiate the first and most important step which is to break the cycle of addiction. You can do it, but you need to take that first step which is to reach out.