Journey Healing Centers Prevention Plan For Avoiding Holiday Alcohol Abuse
Journey has brought healing and help to individuals from all over the world. Our Drug rehab, alcohol rehab, dual diagnosis, and other addiction treatment programs employ only the most effective techniques to help you or your loved one get the help that is needed.
- (1888PressRelease) November 25, 2010 - With the holiday season kicking off with Thanksgiving and a new UK study (Oct 2010) showing alcohol as the 'most harmful drug,' followed by crack and heroin, Journey Healing Centers (drug and alcohol treatment centers) releases a proactive Prevention Plan for avoiding alcohol abuse and getting loved ones back this holiday. According the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 33 million adults have reported binge drinking in the past year, which makes this call-to-action even more urgent.
After helping thousands overcome alcohol addiction, Journey Healing Centers (http://journeyrecoverycenters.com) releases proactive steps families can take to reduce holiday alcohol abuse during a time when binge drinking skyrockets. With the additional recession pressures, drinking rates have jumped to a 25-year high in the US with 67% of adults drinking (Gallup Poll). While many drink responsibly, the CDC reports 15% of all Americans regularly binge drink (4+ drinks for women, and 5+ drinks for men in one drinking session.) The FDA also recently raised concerns over the health risks of energy drinks pre-mixed with alcohol by sending warning letters to distributors of Four Loko, Joose, Max and others. Many of these energy drinks are packaged in oversize 23.5-ounce cans with 12% alcohol (the equivalent of four or five beers, which is binge drinking).
To prevent drinking disasters, families need to take action this holiday. Alcoholism is a family problem that gets highlighted over Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year's when alcohol is flowing at every event. Lisa Lannon, Co-Founder of Journey Healing Centers, did an intervention/ultimatum with her husband after Thanksgiving that saved their marriage. Lisa explains, "Let your loved one know how much you care, share the great qualities they do have, explain that their addiction is getting in the way, and discuss treatment options."
UK researchers recently rated alcohol as the most dangerous substance based on the overall dangers to the individual and society as a whole. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the worldwide number of alcohol related deaths is calculated at over 2,000 people per day, and over 300 deaths per day in the US alone. While not drinking is the safest solution for fighting alcoholism, not everyone can quit cold turkey like President George W Bush mentions in his book, Dead Certain. To help loved ones avoid alcohol abuse, the licensed doctors and therapists at Journey Healing Centers recommend families:
1. Reduce Alcohol Supplies - Families should limit the amount of alcohol (or not have alcohol at all) in their home over the holidays as a first step. While cutting back won't stop alcoholics from bringing their own or running out for more, less or no alcohol in the home can be one way to discourage drinking disasters.
2. Focus the Family on Positive Conversations - By giving compliments, discussing positive events, and congratulating loved ones on achievements, it decreases chances of family arguments or outbursts by loved ones.
3. Avoid Serving Energy Drinks with Alcohol - Avoid mixing the popular Red Bull and Vodka drink over the holidays because the caffeine and alcohol mix is dangerous. The FDA just sent warning letters in mid-November to beverage companies who make pre-mixed versions stating these drinks (Core High Gravity, Moonshot, Joose, etc) are illegal and must change within 15 days or be taken off the market. According to Senator Charles E Schumer (New York), "The drinks are spreading like a plague across the country, and you need to do everything you can to protect children from the severe and deadly consequences of drinks like Four Loko." Students are being hospitalized, and suffering in many ways such as alcohol poisoning, cardiac arrest, and loss of life.
4. Address Concerns with Caring Interventions - If a family member's drinking gets out of control, consider an intervention with goodwill intentions over the holidays. Pull the person aside, and speak one-on-one to minimize embarrassment and defensiveness. For support, Journey Healing Centers offers a free 24-hour addiction hotline (1-866-774-5119) with Addiction Specialists who can provide advice about what to say. Alcoholism is a very serious disease that cannot be treated lightly. It's important to prevent alcohol abuse and get loved ones back this holiday, before it's too late.
Background:
Journey Healing Centers operates drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers in Arizona and Utah, and has been featured on MTV's Gone Too Far, PBS, ABC News 15 Phoenix, Fox 10 Phoenix, ABC 4 Salt Lake City, Channel 3/ AZ Family, USAToday.com, Psychology Today and in People Magazine. Journey Healing Centers has supported thousands dealing with addictions through Residential Programs, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Sober Living Homes, Aftercare and a Free 24-Hour Hotline with Addiction Specialists: 1-866-774-5119 http://journeyrecoverycenters.com
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