Important to Have Alcohol Awareness Classes

A friend of mine was a heavy drinker after the death of his sister and quickly became an alcoholic that needed help for his drinking and unresolved grief. Hi life spiraled out of control rapidly and he became more and more self destructive.

One night, when I thought he was ready to get help I suggested he take an alcohol awareness class and try support group meetings.

He was upset by my suggestions but the following day, he called to say he'd enrolled in an online alcohol class. I thought this was good because he took some initiative and could do the class in his own time. During the next week, we sat together and discussed the class. He seemed to get a lot out of it. He admitted that he needed help and, "couldn't continue going down the road he was on". He liked the online class because it addressed many issues and didn't, "make him feel guilty".

I admit that it took some time and hard work on his part, but he got better and has given up drinking completely. He seems to have turned his life around and reports feeling healthier and happier than before. The only problem now is that he seems to have a milk addiction haha. I guess some people will never truly change.

Alcohol Abuse and Being Informed with an Alcohol Class

It does not matter where a person lives, social status or the job title that they hold, alcohol abuse can be a major problem and issue in anyone's life. This problem impacts young children, teenagers, adults, and elderly persons as well. It can destroy the lives of those who drink as well as the family members who love them.

Alcohol is a social drug and used in many social and even religious gatherings such as weddings, retirement parties, sporting events, Valentines day, etc. Alcohol is not only used socially, but it is often used throughout the week to  unwind from work or celebrate with friends.

Alcohol use is so normalized that it can be difficult to discern who has a serious problem. This is a great reason to take an alcohol awareness class. If you think you or someone you love may be using alcohol too frequently or uncontrollably, taking a class online can help to provide valuable information that they may need.

Learning about alcohol abuse and alcoholism is crucial so people become more aware of their own behaviors with regards to drinking as well as the devastating consequences of letting it get out of control. In a culture of indulgence, it is best to start with good habits.

These Alcohol Awareness Classes Are Teaching Me a Lot

I have been sober for six months since my angry outburst. I was charged with simple assault against people who love me and were trying to intervene in my alcoholism. Now I have to finish alcohol awareness classes as ordered by the sentencing judge to complete this program. If I manage to stay out of trouble for another 18 months after the classes, I will have completed the two years of probation and my record will be expunged.

I made the mistake of falling into the alcohol trap that so many of my relatives before me have fallen into. It is in our genes to be drawn to alcoholism. Every male and many female members in my family tell me that they have to actively choose every day not to drink. The temptation is powerful. It is not an easy road but I do not want to die like my father, uncles, two aunts and grandfather did. All of them died as a result of alcohol induced diseases or accidents.

To my surprise, the alcohol awareness classes are teaching me much more than I expected. I am taking a class online which allows me to go at my own pace. Because it is online, no one is judging me and I don't feel ashamed. It feels good to learn about alcoholism and what I can do to change my life. I especially like the mindfulness work because it has helped me face myself without criticism but greater awareness. Now I am more conscious of my decisions and my behavior.

Going to an Alcohol Awareness Class

If you are taking an alcohol awareness class then you have the unique opportunity to ask yourself some valuable questions. Namely, how much does alcohol really affect your life?

It seems that when you are in the midst of your life it is difficult to step back and evaluate it. This is more true when the questions revolve around your drinking because many set up a lifestyle where drinking  is common and normalized. For example, wine enthusiasts drink to be more educated on special grapes and sports fans like to believe drinking is a part of the game's milieu. Heavy drinkers and alcoholics who create a drinking lifestyle, often go unnoticed.  

Take some time out and take an online alcohol class. With some dedicated class time to this specific issue  you can be more objective and better determine how much your drinking is messing with your life. Maybe it's not that big of a deal. Then again, it would be best if you were honest about your habits.

An Alcohol Class to Help You Understand if You Are an Alcoholic

An alcohol awareness class can give you valuable insight into whether or not you are an alcoholic. After all, it isn't easy calling yourself one for a number of reasons. The first being that no one wants to be called an alcoholic.

Growing up we've often encountered one and they typically were not the best role models. Some were overly friendly, or acted weird. Others were fun until they drank too much and became good examples of what not to be. We would hate admitting being "one of them".

The second reason it isn't easy calling your self an alcoholic is because no one seems to know for sure what an alcoholic is. We all have varying definitions. Even amongst the alcoholic community you may get three different answers if you ask three different people. Regardless, an alcohol awareness class can give you some valuable insight into what an alcoholic might be and if you fit that description. It is good information to have if you find alcohol becoming a central theme of  your life.

It is Never Too Late for an Alcohol Class

I am sure you have heard the saying "better late than never." This most certainly is true when it comes to taking an alcohol class. Regardless of how much you drink and how far your addiction has progressed, an alcohol class is always a good step in your rehabilitation process.

As a counselor for both in-class and online alcohol classes I see students in every aspect of the spectrum when it comes to drinking.

If you are a teenager just experimenting with alcohol, an alcohol class could be helpful. If you think you may be drinking too much, take an alcohol class. If you know you drink too much but might have doubts as to whether your drinking really is a problem, take an alcohol class.

If you know you are an alcoholic and may not be in denial but are in hiding, take an alcohol class. If you prefer to maintain total anonymity there are online alcohol classes too.

I Learned About My Alcohol Behavior in an Online Alcohol Class

If I am to be honest, I did not really think I had a drinking problem. Yes, I enjoyed a few drinks after work, and drank more freely on the weekends but so did my friends. There were times when I drank too much, but I never considered myself "a drunk" like my father. 

One particular Friday night, we were celebrating a big merger when a few drinks turned into more drinks and I was arrested for public intoxication. Part of my sentence was to enroll in an alcohol awareness class.

This turned out to be a problem because no one offered any courses near me; and the closest one was a three hour round trip drive. I was not sure what to do until a friend suggested that I find an online alcohol class about alcohol awareness.

Not only was the price lower then what I would have paid in person but it was convenient and well written. It also met my sentencing requirements but more importantly, in the privacy of my own home- the class helped me open my eyes. I was able to be more honest with myself and see why I was abusing alcohol. It got me to turn around my life.

Stay Sober this Holiday Season and Still Enjoy Beverages

My entire life I have enjoyed drinking during the holiday season. As a kid, it was the one time of year I got to drink eggnog. Man, I still love a good nog!

From eggnog I graduated to sips of champagne to drinking beer, wine and champagne, to getting drunk at every gathering I went to drinking whatever was available!

Now, as a recovering alcoholic, I choose to stay sober during the holiday season. Yet I can still enjoy my beverages. Following are a few of my holiday favorites.

Eggnog – I like it plain like a milkshake.

Daiquiris – the virgin kind – eggnog daiquiris are delicious so are fresh strawberry, peach and banana.

So relax, enjoy the company of those you love and care about in complete sobriety. Appreciate them for who they are and the fact that they are sharing their time and life with you. Serve fun non-alcoholic beverages for the whole party to enjoy. Starbucks does!

Maybe an Alcohol Class is All You Need to Stop Drinking

Have you ever been concerned or told that you are drinking too much? If so, more than likely you have a drinking problem. Of course it does not feel like a "problem" because you enjoy it and the rituals surrounding it.

As a recovering alcoholic and a counselor for both in-class and online alcohol classes, I see first-hand the problems that seep into the lives of those who abuse alcohol. I also see the denial that keeps the problems growing and spiraling out of control. Addiction happens over time, it's progressive. Therefore, I always discuss the self-awareness of addictive behavior.

Virtually, all of my students should have some inkling there is a problem when they've been involved in an alcohol-related incident. However, remarkably so, some continue to remain in denial. Many are not ready to look at the power alcohol has over them and their rationalizations to continue drinking. Students blame the problems on their boss, spouse, stress, government, etc. anything to keep them from taking personal responsibility.

However, alcohol classes (either in class or online) help them address their denial. Mostly, since other students who are in the same shoes, confront them. I see people go from serious denial to anger to acceptance in less than 24 hours of alcohol awareness treatment.

If you think you might have a drinking problem, I urge you to take an alcohol awareness class. If you prefer to maintain total anonymity there are online alcohol classes too.

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.

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.

Binge Drinking on College Campuses

As a college graduate I can personally attest to the binge drinking that goes on at college campuses across the country. This does not mean that all college kids binge drink, however, there most certainly is a problem with binge drinking on college campuses.

Many think that binge drinking is a rite of passage, especially if you are part of the Greek system. They think these are just a few years of your life and the binge drinking will not hurt.

How wrong they are!

Do students who engage in binge drinking enjoy themselves? From my own personal experience, combined with those of friends, colleagues and students in my alcohol education courses, I would say that the answer is a resounding yes. I never even considered being sober during my four years of college.

I binge drank two or three times per week while at the university. There were certainly plenty of my peers who consumed far me than I. There were a few that already had reached an advanced state of alcoholism. Yes – they were not even 22 years old! They already had problems functioning, fulfilling their educational responsibilities.

One friend failed out after one semester with a 0.7 grade point average. That never would have happened had he been sober!

Alcoholism is a serious issue. If you think you may have a drinking problem please seek help. If you prefer to maintain anonymity, there are online alcohol classes too.

An Alcohol Awareness Class Can Help You Stop Drinking Today

As a recovering alcoholic I can tell you there is no better time to begin your sobriety than right now. Sometimes quitting a terrible habit like drinking alcohol to excess happens with a snap decision. It happened for me, and it certainly can happen for you.

As a counselor for both in-class and online alcohol classes I often discuss the benefits of a life without alcohol to my students. Please believe me when I tell you that the benefits far outweigh any pleasure you derive from alcohol.
 
Quitting is One Stage

It has been said there are three stages to addiction – denial, anger and acceptance. The human brain is an amazing organ and can help us rationalize all sorts of aberrant behavior.

Again, having counseled thousands of students from my alcohol class I can attest that once one’s addiction takes hold, the addict is cognizant of the situation. Denial is a very short phase and sometimes anger does not have to happen. It is possible to go straight to acceptance.

I went from being a serious alcoholic who got intoxicated daily to quitting. An alcohol class helped me and it can help you too!

Good Relationships Can Help with Alcohol Addiction

Frequently when I am teaching an alcohol class I ask students to reflect on their drinking. I want them to think about going beyond their historical drinking patterns, but look at their personal happiness at each stage as well. Has drinking improved your happiness over time?

What is Your Level of Happiness?

This sounds like an easy question, but is it easily answered? Don't forget this significant fact - alcoholic beverages are depressants. While some will feel a burst of energy when they have a drink or two, they will eventually come down as alcohol actually causes the central nervous system to slow down. Drinking over a long period of time will increase this effect and can cause irreversible damage to the central nervous system.

Chances are if you are reading this and you are a heavy drinker, you are not happy. While your alcohol consumption may not be the only reason for your lack of happiness, it surely isn't helping the situation.

Bumming You Out

it's worth repeating, alcohol is a depressant. Having instructed alcohol awareness classes, and having attended hundreds of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, I can tell you that excessive drinking is most assuredly a contributing factor to the big D - depression.

There is no pill that will remove an alcoholic's depression as it is driven by extremely negative emotions - anger, guilt and self-loathing. It's a inescapable cycle of bad feelings, continued drinking and very bad decisions.

Regardless of what the popular perception is, problem drinkers mostly don't deny their problem. Though they are able to justify their behavior too will suffer from alcoholism or have some other type of addiction. How do you think that makes them feel?

Relationships with Others are Vital

Do you have many people you feel intimate with? I don't mean superficially. I am talking about close personal contacts, friends and family, who you feel bonded to. Once again, the odds the more you are involved in drinking, the less people you are close to. I don't care how many people have friended you on Facebook; I am talking about in person interaction.

Daily phone contact voice-to-voice is a great way to bond people. Twitter and Facebook are superficial and provide only a tiny bit of positive emotional or psychological bonding with other people.

Personal relationships, building lasting physical, mental, spiritual and emotional ties is what being alive is all about. As alcoholism progresses it makes those who are involved with it disconnect themselves from real living falling into alcoholism induced psychological and emotional inertia.

Redeem Your Life and Redevelop Relationships

I encourage each of you who reads this to assess your relationships. Consider those people you feel close to now, were close with recently and have virtually lost contact with over the years.

If you were ever close to these people, and you have fond memories of them odds are they have similar thoughts and feelings about you. If you remember a happy time associating with them, or you made a strong personal bond at one point, there is definitely the spark to relight that connection fire.

Many heavy drinkers, who suffer from guilt and anger over their drinking problems and their life really end up with very low self-worth. Reconnecting with those who you felt positive about being around will not only help you see the good person you once were, but make you feel and believe you can again be a good person. And if you need help getting through your alcohol addiction, you should seriously consider alcohol awareness classes.

Online Alcohol Class Starts New Blog

A sister site of ours, Online Alcohol Class has started its own Alcohol Awareness Blog which will discuss many problems and current topics associated with drinking and alcoholism. Please take the time to check out this informative blog!

We welcome suggests for blog posts that you might be interested in!