Alcohol Addiction Recovery Los Angeles California

With the recent publicity on the alcohol consumption, what constitutes an alcohol addiction use has become confusing. Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Chris Suchanek tries to clarify the confusion and help with alcohol addiction recovery:

The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) recommends that a healthy adult should not consume more than 2-3 drinks/day and males should drink no more than 14 drinks/week and females should not drink more than 7 drinks/week (1). NIAAA characterizes people who abuse alcohol as those who consume more than these recommendations and how that over consumption begins to impair their ability to function in their life's roles. However the American Psychological Association describes alcohol addiction (or addiction to any substance) in terms of how significant alcohol impairs the person's normal routine of life (2).

When the significant people in your life begin to have problems at work, at home or in school that directly related to their drinking of alcohol or use of any substance this is a sign of a problem, especially if these problems have worsened as their drinking of alcohol has increase. The most important thing you can do to help this person with alcohol addiction begin recovery is to get them help form a professional who has been properly trained to work with alcohol abuse; remember the American Medical Association characterizes alcoholism as a disease. It doesn't have to be better before it gets better.

1. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, (2005) Helping partiens who drink to much: A clinical Guide. NIH publications #05-2769

2. American Psychological Association (2000) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV - text revision. Washington DC