Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Take an Alcohol Awareness Class on a Cruise

Most people who go on vacation are just in it to relax and unwind from their busy lives. Maybe they want to sit by the pool and read a book, or to socialize with other vacationers, or maybe they want to do some sightseeing. But there's another thing that you can do when taking a vacation such as a cruise. You can take an alcohol awareness class!

Now it might seem sort of silly to use that time off to learn but it's actually a great option during your downtime. Since an online alcohol awareness class can be taken anywhere with an internet connection (including on a cruise ship), you can spend 30 minutes here or an hour there becoming more educated.

What's more, instead of coming back from your cruise with a sunburn, 15 extra pounds and some cheap memento, you can come back with something far more important. You return home with more knowledge about your drinking problems and what you can do to get better.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

How to Avoid People Who Drink

The absolute key to staying sober, especially in the early days of sobriety, is to stay away from alcohol. This means not only do you have an alcohol free home but also that you stay away from people who are drinking.

If getting together with friends for a drink after work is a regular part of your life, you will need to find a new activity to replace it with. Starting a new hobby or challenge is a good idea. This could be anything from cooking for your family every night, going to the gym, or taking a photography class. You need something to focus on besides your friends and drinking at the bar.

Another thing to do is to communicate. Make sure your friends and family members are aware that you are avoiding alcohol. Loved ones are very accommodating in helping someone they care about stay sober.

A third thing you can do to avoid people who are drinking is to find activities you can enjoy doing alone such as gardening or jigsaw puzzles.

If you or someone you care about has a drinking problem I urge you to seek help. If you prefer to maintain total anonymity there are alcohol awareness classes too.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Is Is She Cultured or Does She Just Want to Get Drunk?

There are many options for going on a first date. Going to the movies, going bowling, having a picnic together or even going to a museum. But what if the girl you are dating says she wants to go wine tasting? Is she somebody who really enjoys the nuances of different wines such as the delicate aroma, color and subtle hints of flavors? Or is she somebody who just wants to get drunk?

It's an important distinction. Something I've learned in alcohol awareness classes is that people often create hobbies for themselves that mask a bad habit. For example, somebody might like to brew beer in their basement. They say they do it because they like the authentic flavor of homemade beverages. But it could also be the case that they want an excuse for drinking all the time.

The same can said for a potential date that says they want to go wine tasting. Is it that they really appreciate the differences between merlot and cabernet grapes? Or do they just want an excuse to drink glass after glass of red wine in an environment that this is considered socially acceptable? There are certain signs that are dead give aways. For example, does she always seem to be drinking a glass of wine when you come to pick her up for a date? Or does her trash always seem to be filled with empty bottles? Or is she saying how "Napa" is her favorite place to visit.

In any case, there's nothing wrong with drinking wine if it's done in moderation. But to join a hobby just because it creates an opportunity to drink,  is never a good idea. If you've know a girl who acts like this, consider suggesting that she take a 12 hour alcohol awareness class. Or better yet, maybe she's somebody you should stay away from.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Four Things to Keep You Sober

As a counselor for both in-class and online alcohol awareness classes, I have discovered four keys to help my students stay sober. There is no greater goal for an alcohol class than to prevent relapse and recidivism.

By far the most important factor in staying sober is not to have alcohol in the house. There is no way a person with a drinking problem will be able to continually resist the urge to drink if booze is a constant, physical presence in the home. While it may be possible to stop for a while, eventually the mind will relent and you will drink again. Again, the rule is no alcohol beverages in your living quarters.

A second key factor in staying sober is not to associate with people who drink. This includes a spouse or significant other. If you want to stay sober, do not hang around with those who are drinking. At least early on in your sobriety you can't go hang out in bars and try to stay sober. This is just like having booze in the house. Don't tempt yourself. Don't go to parties where alcohol is being served. Don't put yourself in a vulnerable position to relapse.

The third key is to find activities that you can do instead of drinking. This means that instead of watching sports or bowling with friends, where drinking is common, pick something where the participants usually don't drink. Take an evening spin or yoga class, join a rock climbing club or take your pooch to the dog park. These are good examples where drinking isn't an integral part of the activity.

A fourth key is to be open about your drinking problem. Even if you don't want to broadcast your problem to everyone, find at least one person you can share with. You need to be held accountable for your actions. You need someone to share your experience with.

Those four rules plus a good alcohol awareness class form the basic platform necessary to get sober and live an alcohol-free life.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Alcohol Class Could Save You from a DUI

With all of the advertising and education on how horrible the combination of drinking and driving is, it is a wonder that people continue to do so. The statistics are alarming.

People die and lives are ruined. This does not happen once in a blue moon. This happens every day. This happens every hour. This happens every 15 minutes! And these facts aren't hidden, we all know the terrible statistics.

So, the big question is why do people continue to drink and drive? As a counselor for both in-class and online alcohol classes I often discuss this very subject with my students. As almost all of them have had an alcohol-related incident, everyone in the room can speak about their problems and experiences. Some have gotten a DUI and many others have driven while drunk but weren't caught.

Many report believing they were "ok". It is very common for drinkers to underestimate themselves as we know by now that alcohol affects judgment. Have you ever convinced yourself you were safe to drive? If you answered "yes", take a second to think about why you do it.

There is no good reason to drink and drive. Do not ever let yourself believe it is okay and that you can manage to get behind the wheel without any risks. Either you will eventually get into an accident and possibly kill yourself or somebody else. Or you will be arrested and thrown in jail. If that happens to you, consider yourself very lucky.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Alcohol Class Could Save You from a Bar Fight

Do you have a story of a friend, family member or colleague who did something stupid while they were heavily intoxicated? I bet you do. Alcohol has different effects on different people, but one thing it has in common with all who drink heavily and get very inebriated is that it causes you to do dumb things.

Have you ever been in a bar-fight? If you have, I bet you were drunk. As a counselor for both in person and online alcohol classes, 100% of my students who admitted to being in a bar fight also admitted drinking heavily at time.

Alcohol decreases inhibitions while simultaneously intensifying our emotions. This is why many people cry or fight while intoxicated. Sometimes they say things too, like how much they love someone, or how much they hate someone. Basically, the truth can come out.

It also increases the tempers of some drinkers. This is the difference between the "happy drunk" and the "bad drunk." The best way to steer clear of a bar fight is to not visit bars and not consume alcohol. If you do go, do not get overly inebriated so that your cooler head will prevail if provoked.

Monday, October 15, 2012

An Alcohol Class is Good Start if You Worry About Drinking Patterns


Are you an alcoholic? This is not such a simple question. Seemingly the answer should be yes, no or maybe. As a counselor for both in-class and online alcohol classes I firmly believe that people who have drinking problems are aware of them. Of course denial is the first stage of alcoholism – but that does not necessarily mean you are an alcoholic.

Every Day Drinkers

Is everyone who consumes alcohol every day an alcoholic? Is everyone who has a drinking problem an alcoholic? The answers to both of these questions are no.

If you have one beer or glass of wine every day you neither have a drinking problem nor are you an alcoholic. However, if you drink to the point of intoxication every day you most definitely have a drinking problem and should stop drinking and seek help immediately. The line is drawn when someone is unable to alter their drinking habits despite evidence of it's problems.

Drinking to the point of intoxication is a good sign you have a problem and could be an alcoholic. Other signs include: how much time you spend on alcohol - either thinking about it, purchasing it, or consuming it. In other words do your urges to drink increasingly consume your time and interfere with work, relationships, and other activities? Have people made comments to you about your drinking? Have they asked you to cut down or stop? Have you tried to stop and failed? Does your personality change when you drink? Do you become more moody or boisterous after a few drinks? Are you able to consume more alcohol than many of your friends? Does alcoholism run in your family?

If you or someone you care about might have a problem with alcohol,  I urge you to seek help as quickly as possible. If you prefer to maintain your anonymity or want to be on a flexible schedule, sign up for an online alcohol class. While change might feel scary, take small steps. Big changes come from changing one small thing. Start with an online alcohol class.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Go Sober for October


I am challenging all of my loyal readers to go sober for October. There are many good reasons why you should not touch a drop of booze for this entire month. Can you name some?




Not only is it beneficial for your health to give your liver a break and lighter on your wallet, put away up for that trip you've wanted to take, but how about the calories you safe for your waistline if those reasons are not enough.

For Your Health!

The best reason to give up drinking for a month is for your health. Not only do alcoholic beverages contain a lot of sugar but all alcoholic beverages are filtered through the liver. Many people drink every day. Alcohol is loaded with empty calories consider all of the empty calories you will save. One organ that will thank you is your liver. It does not like having to process poison from your body. Yes, alcohol is a poison.

Many people who take this challenge experience a slight weight loss, clearer skin and eyes, improved quality of sleep, and a feeling of wellness. If you haven't challenged yourself with an alcohol free month, try it. Your body will appreciate it.


For Your Wallet
Alcohol is expensive and getting more costly by the day. Three drinks at a bar a week will set you back about $20. That is $80 for the month or about $1,000 in savings if you abstain for a year.

Even if you drink at home you can figure on a $1 a drink. That is $12 a month or about $150 per year. You could use that money to buy something nice for yourself or perhaps take an 8-hour, level 1 alcohol class which may actually help you make the decision to quit drinking all together.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Alcohol Classes or Banning Booze on Campus?


This is the sixth in a series of blogs looking at the problem of binge drinking on college campuses. As a counselor for both in-class and online alcohol classes I have many college students attending our alcohol classes. Some are them are in class for minor in possession (MIP) violations, while others have incurred driving under the influence (DUI) or other alcohol-related problems.

Every one of these students attest to the fact that binge drinking is rampant on campus. So the question begs to be asked: what should be done? Should college campuses be dry? Should alcohol awareness classes be mandatory for incoming freshmen?

We know that adolescents have been given the clear message that alcohol consumption is not healthy. So, what is the motivation for a student to drink unsafe amounts of alcohol despite knowledge of its harmful effects?

There are a lot of alcohol education programs in the U.S., additionally there are even online alcohol classes available to this tech savvy generation. Students know that binge drinking is high risk behavior that drastically increases the possibility of harmful consequences such as sexual assault, violence, drunk driving, and future alcohol dependency. If those are not frightening enough how about the fact that for most, alcohol consumption is illegal!

These students know the risks and how they can get in trouble with school authorities and the law. So why do they they persist in binge drinking anyway? That will be the subject of the next entry into this blog series.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Drug Classes Teach About How to Avoid Gateway Drugs


How do you avoid using gateway drugs? Every drug class and drug counselor will tell you – abstinence. If you never try them you are guaranteed not to become addicted to a drug.

It has long been believed that tobacco is a gateway drug. Once your body experiences the joys and horrors of addiction to nicotine, you start to crave other addictive substances such as marijuana and alcohol. Often times, these substances are used together. How often do you see someone with a cocktail and a cigarette?  Once addicted to alcohol or marijuana, which are also considered to be gateway drugs, you are more likely to try more potent drugs such as cocaine or heroin. The theory is, "if you liked that, you will really like this." Besides, most of your friends are trying it.

Experts continue to claim marijuana is "the gateway drug". While I agree that marijuana is a gateway drug, I say that all drugs are gateway drugs! Think about that for a moment.

Drug use is a slippery slope and most people are unaware of or minimize how far they've slipped. We know that drug abuse kills but what we fail to consider is how drug abuse started out as a simple and fun way to hang out with friends. No one starts out with the goal of becoming addicted. Many drug users do not consider themselves addicted even though they think about the next time they will use, and look forward to it. Or feel a slight tension when they are not able to use. Whatever the case may be, I encourage you to stop immediately. If you stop now, then you never will become an addict. If you don’t, there is a good chance you will.

If you or someone you care about is using drugs, please seek help immediately. A good place to start is an anonymous online drug class. This will raise your awareness about your own use of gateway and/or stronger drugs.