I Need a MIP Class for My Son

My son was just caught with some beer last night and was charged with being a minor in possession of alcohol. Now, he will have to to to court in a week and whatever else that follows.

I am very disappointed and upset with him. He needs to take a class because he won't listen to me and he is making poor decisions. The school counselor recommended a good online minor in possession class. He believes taking a class will make him "look better" in court, but I am afraid he is trying to manipulate the situation rather than becoming more aware of his behavior.

It is important that my son learns that underage drinking is against the law even if his friends are doing it. Punishing him hasn't done much so now he must face the legal system and he is responsible for all costs associated with this. I did not raise him to break the law.

Information About Alcohol Awareness Classes

Alcohol classes can be found online and in formal classroom settings. The type of setting that an individual chooses will often depend on their personal preference and situation. The information that is contained in these alcohol classes will provide the student with information about how alcohol affects them personally, how it affects their family and friends as well as the community as a whole.

Although many people may not realize all of the consequences surrounding the abuse of alcohol, these classes can concentrate on the details of what occurs when alcohol is being misused. The effects of alcohol can range from the person having anger management problems when under the influence to drunk driving, which is the cause of many fatalities.

These classes are also promoted on college and university campuses since common social trends involve large amounts of students drinking heavily at parties and other types of social events.

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.

Classes to Help with Families with Alcohol Addiction

In addition to alcohol support groups for those suffering from alcohol addiction, there are now also alcohol awareness classes that are designed for spouses and family members too.

For many years, alcohol awareness classes were designed for the person dealing with the addiction. However, the alcoholic often lives with  family members who are deeply affected by their use and can be integral to their recovery. Therefore, it is critical to educate these sufferers by proxy, so they better understand what they can and cannot do for the alcoholic.

A very helpful component of these classes is to educate people on how to recognize the signs of alcoholism early. Family members often feel frustrated and helpless with a loved one who is abusing alcohol. In many cases, if a parent, spouse, or friend can identify early warning signs, they can get the person and themselves support and help early. Once the addiction is identified, a spouse or family member can attend their own therapy, support groups (such as Al Anon) or take an alcohol class online. This helps them remove the anger so they can provide the necessary boundaries, love and support.

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.

He Has Decided to Change by Taking an Alcohol Class

My husband has decided to change the way that he has been living. He is finally recognizing that he has a drinking problem. I am relieved, I was almost ready to leave him because I could not take it anymore. It took his arrest for driving while drunk (DUI) to make him see that he was drinking too much.

He barely stayed out of jail. He lost his license for a year and has to do community service. He is also required to take alcohol classes. I think that those have made a bigger difference than anything. The classes he is taking are available online and he will go into the room and close the door. When he comes out, I can tell that the class are making an impact. He is apologizing to me regularly and beginning to admit that his drinking was out of control.

Being Aware That You Have a Problem with Alcohol

How do you know if you have a problem with alcohol? Alcohol is a prevalent part of our culture and many people drink daily. How would you know if you have a problem or potential problem with alcohol?

If you've ever pondered this question, an 8 hour alcohol awareness class could be exactly what you need.

The rub is, you have to be open to it and self aware but you may also need more information. It isn't easy realizing that you may have an alcohol problem. Too often there are mitigating factors people use to brush away the truth and keep them in denial.

Denial is strong and may prevent you from realizing you are giving yourself the brush off. Instead of seeing yourself clearly, you might look at circumstances and make more excuses. Excuses that sound legitimate and real to you. An online alcohol awareness class can help you break this self destructive habit.

I know because I did it for years. So if you are thinking that you might need some help, but don't think you really need that much, maybe you should try the class. Why not? That way, you'll at least have more  information to assess yourself more honestly.

Why Don't Alcohol Advertisers Have to Promote Alcohol Awareness Classes?

It's a known fact that alcohol kills. It causes numerous diseases and sabotages our health. It's also a leading cause of death due to DUIs and other alcohol related accidents. So why don't alcohol advertisers have to promote alcohol awareness classes?

It's not as crazy as it sounds. Cigarette companies also sell a product that causes much harm. It took years of lawsuits and legal wrangling but now they have to pay billions of dollars to state governments. And much of that money goes towards tobacco prevention programs. The theory here is that while the harm in the past can't be prevented, future harm might avoided by educating people.

Likewise, since alcohol can cause such harm, why don't alcohol manufacturers have to do the same sort of preventative education? Why aren't they forced to promote alcohol awareness education and teach people about the risks of alcohol use? Do we have to wait for decades and lawsuits like we did with the cigarette companies?

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.

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.

Alcohol Classes Keep People Sober and Save Lives

The best way not to kill anyone after drinking and driving is to have never consumed a drink in the first place. I believe that alcohol awareness classes, administered often and at an early age, beginning at 11 or 12, will help reduce future alcohol consumption and drunk driving.

Less alcohol consumption means fewer DUIs and fewer fatal accidents caused by drinking and driving.

New research shows that in 2010, more than two-thirds of the 10,228 drunk driving deaths (7,145 or 70 percent) involved drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15 or higher.

The most frequently recorded BAC among all drinking drivers in 2010 fatal crashes was .18, more than twice the legal limit in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. On average, there was one alcohol-related death every 51 minutes.

Not surprisingly, the age group with the highest percentage of drivers with BACs of .08 was 21 to 24 years old. The alcohol impairment rate among drivers in fatal crashes in 2010 was four times higher at night than during the day.

A higher percentage of fatal crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers occurred on weekends (31 percent), compared to 16 percent during the week.

What do these statistics mean? I challenge my loyal readers to let me know. Do you think alcohol classes will help keep people sober and thus save innocent lives?

http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1078518_most-drunk-driving-deaths-caused-by-drivers-with-twice-legal-bac-limit

College Binge Drinkers Should Take an Alcohol Class

Do you think binge drinking is a problem on American campuses? If not, start lining up your evidence because the majority of evidence points to a major problem with binge drinking among college students.

Is this a new problem? Certainly not. Is it worse now than ever before? Who knows. But the fact remains that it is a big problem that affects many college students.

Are you ready to take a look at this from a very deep perspective? If not, quit reading now. If you are ready begin by asking yourself if alcohol should be banned from college campuses. I know how radical a thought this is, but just think about any possible reasons why this might be a good idea.

Keep in mind that the vast majority of students on college campuses are under 21, the legal age to consume beverages in the United States. This simple fact, legality, is often overlooked, yet still a good reason why, perhaps alcohol should be banned on campus.

This is the third in a series of blogs looking at the nature of binge drinking on college campuses. In our next one we will take a deeper look into how harmful alcohol is for college students.

Hsu told CBS Atlanta in an email that researchers involved wanted to specifically focus on 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., and students are aware that [there are] negative consequences to binge drinking … like being at higher risk for sexual assault, violence, drunk driving, future alcohol dependency,” she said. “They know that they can get in trouble with school authorities and with the law. If they persist in binge drinking despite this, there must be some kind of other positive motivation for doing so.”

Monica Swahn, a professor at the Institute of Public Health at Georgia State University, was alarmed by the findings and their allusion to a dichotomy between student knowledge of the negative effects of drinking and the desire to enrich their social lives.

“These findings make me distressed as a public health professional, especially knowing that binge drinking is associated with so many adverse consequences,” she said to CBS Atlanta. “Addiction, poor academic performance, violence, drunk driving, suicide, sexually transmitted diseases – the list is so long of what’s linked to alcohol abuse, especially in the late teens and early 20s.”

Steven Liga, director of the Middlesex County, N.J. chapter of the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence, noted to CBS Atlanta that expectations of a college experience centered around alcohol have made class after incoming class of college freshmen see drinking as an unavoidable part of higher education.

“They think drinking is part of the culture – what they’re supposed to do. They start out doing that because everybody else started to do that at the same time,” he said, noting that the shared experience creates a feeling of community. “They feel a part of something, especially coming in as a freshman in a new place. It’s easy not to feel a part of something, so they gravitate to it. Freshman [gravitate] toward a drinking party. It’s an equalizer. Everyone is new, and social inhibitions – that feeling that you don’t belong – disappear.”

These expectations also lead to feelings of pressure regarding binge drinking.

“At the end of the survey, students were given an open comment box and could whatever they wanted. … [Q]uite a number wrote that they did not want to binge drink,” Hsu recalled. “But they felt pressured to do so because ‘everyone’ … does on campus. At the same time, they would associate binge drinking with high status, saying that rich, white kids in fraternities were the ones to drink.”

Liga noted that, while the frequency of such binge drinking incidents may not necessarily be increasing, the level of consumption is all the same in danger of rising.

“What people are hearing about are more and more cases of extreme drinking,” he said. “It’s not just four or five drinks several times a month – it’s, ‘Let’s see how many [drinks] I can do in a short amount of time.’ That’s where the funnels come in, and beer pong.”

That mentality, combined with a lack of student knowledge regarding what they are drinking – and how much of it – could lead to serious problems with binge drinking.

“Most kids don’t realize they’re drinking as many drinks as they are,” he said, adding that red Solo cups, a college party staple, have enough room for the equivalent of multiple drinks. “It’s very easy to binge drink, particularly going into social situations where someone is trying to fit in.”

Hsu mentioned that the objective of the study was to delve into why students engage in behavior they know to be risky, and found that the main differences were between what she called “subjective” or temporary happiness and “objective well-being.”

“Binge drinking is objectively bad, a dangerous and self-destructive behavior. In our study, students who binge drank often missed class because they were hung over, or felt hung over in class. They put themselves at risk for sexual assault and harassment,” she said. “On the campus where the study was conducted, students have been suspended, expelled, arrested, physically harmed, and even killed as a result of intoxication. Studies show that students who binge drink are at risk of becoming alcoholics for the rest of their lives.”

Swahn asserted that these studies highlight the importance of discouraging drinking activity in minors for as long as possible.

“Addiction, poor academic performance, violence, drunk driving, suicide, sexually transmitted diseases – the list is so long of what’s linked to alcohol abuse, especially in the late teens and early 20′s,” she said. “It’s about trying to figure out how to delay the age at which they drink … to delay alcohol use as long as possible.”

And for Liga, who works in an organization geared toward addiction prevention, the emphasis falls on how to break the stigma of drinking as an integral part of the college experience.

Consistently scheduled activities that offer legitimately fun opportunities for students interested in sobriety are one part of the potential solution.

“It’s important for people not to just give up on colleges – to not simply say, ‘There’s going to be tons of dangers drinking and there’s nothing we can do about it.’ We know that’s not true,” Liga observed. “Part of that [solution] is going to be the way the school handles drinking infractions, whether they are being proactive or not regarding interventions with students when they see problems developing and doing something about it early.”

Swahn agreed, while additionally pointing out the influence of one crucial unit – family.

http://atlanta.cbslocal.com/2012/08/28/study-college-binge-drinkers-happier-than-sober-students/

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.

3 Reasons to Take an Alcohol Class

Do you drink alcohol? If not, this blog entry may not be for you. What we will discuss in this article is why anyone who drinks should take an alcohol class.

1. Basic Training – Either a classroom or online alcohol class can provide extensive information about the basics of drinking. It will educate you on alcohol, its properties and chemical make-up. And it will educate you on how alcohol affects each part of the human body. You will learn the basics about how even a small amount of alcohol can negatively affect your mind and body.

2. Self-Assessment – Taking any alcohol class, including an online alcohol class, can help you gauge whether or not you have a drinking problem. Alcohol classes explain the different patterns of drinking and help the student evaluate his or her own pattern of consumption. Maybe you have a drinking problem, maybe you don’t.

3. Action – An alcohol class can help motivate you to take action to cease aberrant behavior. This is not fiction – thousands of students have quit drinking after having taken an alcohol class. One of the primary focuses of both in-class and online alcohol classes to prevent recidivism. In layman’s terms, that means to help you quit drinking and stay sober!

If all of those reasons seem hard to grasp how about this one – you will feel much better in the near and long-term future if you quit drinking right now!