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.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Alcohol Classes Come in All Shapes and Sizes
Often when clients contact me looking for an alcohol awareness class, they aren’t sure the length of class they should take. Our alcohol classes, for example, come in 8 hour, 16 hour and 24 hour lengths. They are also called our Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 classes.
Which is the best for you?
If you are a client who is coming because of a mandated hour or session alcohol awareness class requirement… let’s say from your work or from a a court then you should find out from them what the requirement is. That makes your option very simple.
But if you are taking an alcohol awareness class that has no specified hour or session requirement or taking the class for a personal reason, then with luck I can help you find the right alcohol class length.
8 Hour Class - The Starting Point
At a minimum you should look at a course which is 8 hours in length This is the shortest class that will really give you a good comprehension of the issues around alcohol and it’s impact on you, your friends and relatives and your community as a whole. A course like this can really cover all the important subjects including:
16 Hour Class – Getting Deeper
With the Sixteen hour alcohol class you really jump up in the depth of the subject matter. There are not more topics, but a more in depth study at each topic. Plus there are a lot more examples and vignettes. You might find this class to be easier because the examples and stories make the study a bit more restful. as an alternative of having to learn subject after subject in the 8 hour format, you can see lots of different examples of each subject matter. For example in our sixteen hour course, we have more personal interviews with the victims of DWIs so you can really learn more about the personal impact driving under the influence has on the community.
24 Hour Class
The 24 hour alcohol awareness class goes even deeper than the 16 hour class. Like the 16 hour class in comparison to the 8 hour alcohol class there are more examples, more photos and more in-depth understanding of the topics Taking this Level 3 alcohol class means you will really come away with a thorough understanding of the subject matter. Sure it’s a greater commitment, but of you’ve had a serious problem with drinking or maybe are a repeat offender, then this is the best course for you.
Still Unsure?
If you are undecided as to which course to take, we recommend contacting Online Alcohol Class for a free consultation.
Which is the best for you?
If you are a client who is coming because of a mandated hour or session alcohol awareness class requirement… let’s say from your work or from a a court then you should find out from them what the requirement is. That makes your option very simple.
But if you are taking an alcohol awareness class that has no specified hour or session requirement or taking the class for a personal reason, then with luck I can help you find the right alcohol class length.
8 Hour Class - The Starting Point
At a minimum you should look at a course which is 8 hours in length This is the shortest class that will really give you a good comprehension of the issues around alcohol and it’s impact on you, your friends and relatives and your community as a whole. A course like this can really cover all the important subjects including:
- Problems and patterns of alcohol abuse
- Learning about how alcohol works
- Understanding how specific drugs work
- Legal vs. illegal drugs
- Impact of DUI on you and your community
- Ideas for how to end dependency
- And many others
16 Hour Class – Getting Deeper
With the Sixteen hour alcohol class you really jump up in the depth of the subject matter. There are not more topics, but a more in depth study at each topic. Plus there are a lot more examples and vignettes. You might find this class to be easier because the examples and stories make the study a bit more restful. as an alternative of having to learn subject after subject in the 8 hour format, you can see lots of different examples of each subject matter. For example in our sixteen hour course, we have more personal interviews with the victims of DWIs so you can really learn more about the personal impact driving under the influence has on the community.
24 Hour Class
The 24 hour alcohol awareness class goes even deeper than the 16 hour class. Like the 16 hour class in comparison to the 8 hour alcohol class there are more examples, more photos and more in-depth understanding of the topics Taking this Level 3 alcohol class means you will really come away with a thorough understanding of the subject matter. Sure it’s a greater commitment, but of you’ve had a serious problem with drinking or maybe are a repeat offender, then this is the best course for you.
Still Unsure?
If you are undecided as to which course to take, we recommend contacting Online Alcohol Class for a free consultation.
Monday, April 11, 2011
How to Find the Best Alcohol Awareness Class
Students frequently call me wanting to know where to find a good alcohol awareness classes. They are looking for both a quality alcohol class and one which will meet their requirements.
I try to answer their questions as best I can. The first thing I want to know is what their requirements are for an alcohol awareness class. Often they they have no idea because like most people, they've never had to take an alcohol awareness class before.
The next thing I want to know is are they trying to satisfy a court requirement, DUI requirement or personal requirement? If they are mandated to take an alcohol class for a court requiement or because of a DUI, they should check if there's a list of classes that are certified. If the court doesn't mention a particular class, then I usually suggest that they think about an online alcohol class. I let them know if they aren't sure to call the court for clarification.
The next thing is how to figure out the quality of the course. I let them know that they need to look for a reputable class that was created by experts and sounds legit. This is evident when you check out their internet presence to see and by contacting them over the phone or by email. An good sign of a high quality class is one which comes with a 100% guarantee for any reason. Don't accept an alcohol education program that forces the student come up with some "proof" that the class isn't accepted. Accepting what you say should be enough reason.
A program that has a human that responds in a straightforward manner to any inquiries is an important piece of information. The other thing to ask for is a course summary to determine the topics that are discussed. Some courses spend more time telling you that you are a bad person than explaining about alcohol awareness. Or some gloss over the materials or appear to be shoddily put together by cutting and pasting content from the internet. It's important to stay away from classes like this!
The last thing people ask is whether to take an in-person or online alcohol class. The choice is really up to the person's preference. classroom classes are good for people who like interacting and being around other people and don't mind having to go to the same class at the same time each week. Online alcohol awareness classes are much better for somebody who prefers to take the class on their own time and don't want the inconvenience of committing to the times of in person courses. Online alcohol classes are frequently much cheaper than classroom classes, so it's a great way to save money.
I try to answer their questions as best I can. The first thing I want to know is what their requirements are for an alcohol awareness class. Often they they have no idea because like most people, they've never had to take an alcohol awareness class before.
The next thing I want to know is are they trying to satisfy a court requirement, DUI requirement or personal requirement? If they are mandated to take an alcohol class for a court requiement or because of a DUI, they should check if there's a list of classes that are certified. If the court doesn't mention a particular class, then I usually suggest that they think about an online alcohol class. I let them know if they aren't sure to call the court for clarification.
The next thing is how to figure out the quality of the course. I let them know that they need to look for a reputable class that was created by experts and sounds legit. This is evident when you check out their internet presence to see and by contacting them over the phone or by email. An good sign of a high quality class is one which comes with a 100% guarantee for any reason. Don't accept an alcohol education program that forces the student come up with some "proof" that the class isn't accepted. Accepting what you say should be enough reason.
A program that has a human that responds in a straightforward manner to any inquiries is an important piece of information. The other thing to ask for is a course summary to determine the topics that are discussed. Some courses spend more time telling you that you are a bad person than explaining about alcohol awareness. Or some gloss over the materials or appear to be shoddily put together by cutting and pasting content from the internet. It's important to stay away from classes like this!
The last thing people ask is whether to take an in-person or online alcohol class. The choice is really up to the person's preference. classroom classes are good for people who like interacting and being around other people and don't mind having to go to the same class at the same time each week. Online alcohol awareness classes are much better for somebody who prefers to take the class on their own time and don't want the inconvenience of committing to the times of in person courses. Online alcohol classes are frequently much cheaper than classroom classes, so it's a great way to save money.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
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!
We welcome suggests for blog posts that you might be interested in!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Stop Denying Your Drinking Problem
Generally when I teach alcohol awareness classes I question my students, “Do you think you have a drinking problem?” This series of articles will discuss what constitutes a “problem” and recognize that your social drinking has turned into a problem-drinking habit. It will also talk about 3 stages of change – denial, anger, and acceptance. Finally, we will talk about strategies for stopping drinking and preventing a return to drinking patterns.
Let’s begin by stating that no person has one drink and immediately it is a problem. Heavy drinking and alcoholism are developed over long periods of time.
How people in my class answer this question may be shocking to you. But first, let’s take a look at what defines heavy drinking and briefly talk about problematic alcohol consumption patterns.
How Many Drinks Do You Consume Weekly? Daily?
As a reformed alcoholic and graduate of an online alcohol class, I first became aware that there possibly was a problem when I read an fascinating question on a new patient form at my primary care physician It read, "What quantity of alcoholic beverages do you consume every week?” The query itself seems innocent enough. The multiple-choice answer was “A. 0. B. 1-3. C. 4-6. D. More than 6." I had to read the question again to recognize if they weren’t really asking per day.
At that point in my life, still 24 months before I became sober, I was having at least 7 alcoholic beverages per day. Whether shots of hard alcohol,glasses of wine, or beer, I was most definitely in the “D” category – but every day.
That was my original lightening rod of truth, where I really figured out, for a few tiny moments, that I might very well have a drinking problem – and that I was an alcoholic.
Are You a Heavy Drinker?
Heavy drinking is a pattern of alcohol consumption found in almost all alcoholics. Heavy drinking is defined as having five or more alcoholic beverages at one time five or more times in a month period.
As a reformed alcoholic, I can tell you that almost every time I partook in the consumption of alcohol, I had at least 5 drinks – usually many more.
Recent statistics show that approximately 17 million U.S. residents are classified as heavy drinkers. That is almost 7% of the entire population 12 and older. If you only pay attention to people who can legally drink almost 12% are heavy drinkers.
If you think your are a heavy drinker, it's quite likely you are an alcoholic and should seek help from a group like Alcoholics Anonymous, or in some cases try taking an online alcohol awareness course.
Let’s begin by stating that no person has one drink and immediately it is a problem. Heavy drinking and alcoholism are developed over long periods of time.
How people in my class answer this question may be shocking to you. But first, let’s take a look at what defines heavy drinking and briefly talk about problematic alcohol consumption patterns.
How Many Drinks Do You Consume Weekly? Daily?
As a reformed alcoholic and graduate of an online alcohol class, I first became aware that there possibly was a problem when I read an fascinating question on a new patient form at my primary care physician It read, "What quantity of alcoholic beverages do you consume every week?” The query itself seems innocent enough. The multiple-choice answer was “A. 0. B. 1-3. C. 4-6. D. More than 6." I had to read the question again to recognize if they weren’t really asking per day.
At that point in my life, still 24 months before I became sober, I was having at least 7 alcoholic beverages per day. Whether shots of hard alcohol,glasses of wine, or beer, I was most definitely in the “D” category – but every day.
That was my original lightening rod of truth, where I really figured out, for a few tiny moments, that I might very well have a drinking problem – and that I was an alcoholic.
Are You a Heavy Drinker?
Heavy drinking is a pattern of alcohol consumption found in almost all alcoholics. Heavy drinking is defined as having five or more alcoholic beverages at one time five or more times in a month period.
As a reformed alcoholic, I can tell you that almost every time I partook in the consumption of alcohol, I had at least 5 drinks – usually many more.
Recent statistics show that approximately 17 million U.S. residents are classified as heavy drinkers. That is almost 7% of the entire population 12 and older. If you only pay attention to people who can legally drink almost 12% are heavy drinkers.
If you think your are a heavy drinker, it's quite likely you are an alcoholic and should seek help from a group like Alcoholics Anonymous, or in some cases try taking an online alcohol awareness course.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Why Does the Super Bowl Focus so Much on Drinking?
As a counselor for alcohol awareness classes I am very familiar with the part alcohol plays in our community and is meshed in our culture. My aim in teaching about alcohol is trying to get my students to get more educated about alcohol and its effect on the human body. I try to make them understand about drinking and its effects on not only your body, but in addition those close to a person addicted to alcohol.
At this time of year I always believe about another type of "alcohol awareness" - the powerful pitch to advertise alcohol during the Super Bowl. The ads from Budweiser, Coors, and Heineken have become to many, more important from a viewing standpoint than the game itself. When people think "Super Bowl" they think football, television ads and alcohol - and not necessarily in that order.
Let's All Drink to the Super Bowl
Nobody should be surprised that "Super Bowl Sunday" ranks right up with the 4th of July and December 31 as the days where the most people are arrested for drinking and driving.
In one of my recent alcohol classes I polled each person in my class if they drank during the Super Bowl, and if they drank how much they consumed. The results probably don't shock you. Out of twenty students, 90% had drank alcohol during last year's Super Bowl. The couple that didn't - one was working and the other had pneumonia.
A Super Binge
Of the rest who had consumed alcoholic beverages, according to their recollection, during the Super Bowl they averaged 8 beverages each. Of course they said that the Super Bowl lasts forever and most of them were sure that they were sober enough to drive by the end of the game. Almost half of the 18 admitted to being intoxicated during the game. One feel asleep before the final whistle.
Super Bowl DUI
Only one of my students that session was attending class to handle a Super Bowl DWI, but throughout the years many of my students were requred to take an alcohol awareness class from a DWI obtained after watching the Super Bowl.
Avoid becoming a statistic. I urge all of you to make sure you have a designated driver for the Super Bowl if you plan on consuming alcoholic beverages. Remember, a cab is ALWAYS cheaper than a DUI.
At this time of year I always believe about another type of "alcohol awareness" - the powerful pitch to advertise alcohol during the Super Bowl. The ads from Budweiser, Coors, and Heineken have become to many, more important from a viewing standpoint than the game itself. When people think "Super Bowl" they think football, television ads and alcohol - and not necessarily in that order.
Let's All Drink to the Super Bowl
Nobody should be surprised that "Super Bowl Sunday" ranks right up with the 4th of July and December 31 as the days where the most people are arrested for drinking and driving.
In one of my recent alcohol classes I polled each person in my class if they drank during the Super Bowl, and if they drank how much they consumed. The results probably don't shock you. Out of twenty students, 90% had drank alcohol during last year's Super Bowl. The couple that didn't - one was working and the other had pneumonia.
A Super Binge
Of the rest who had consumed alcoholic beverages, according to their recollection, during the Super Bowl they averaged 8 beverages each. Of course they said that the Super Bowl lasts forever and most of them were sure that they were sober enough to drive by the end of the game. Almost half of the 18 admitted to being intoxicated during the game. One feel asleep before the final whistle.
Super Bowl DUI
Only one of my students that session was attending class to handle a Super Bowl DWI, but throughout the years many of my students were requred to take an alcohol awareness class from a DWI obtained after watching the Super Bowl.
Avoid becoming a statistic. I urge all of you to make sure you have a designated driver for the Super Bowl if you plan on consuming alcoholic beverages. Remember, a cab is ALWAYS cheaper than a DUI.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
How Can You Tell When Your Drinking Has Become a Problem
Often when I run alcohol classes clients ask me, "How how can you find out if you are an alcoholic?" Let's look at some crucial indicators that your regular drinking habit has turned into full-blown alcoholism.
Let's commence by asserting that no person has 1 drink of alcohol and it instantly it becomesa problem. Heavy drinking and drinking problems are developed over long periods of time. Of course the span of time will differ from person to person.
Your Genes Can Play A Role
And as is the case with numerous health problems, genetics play an crucial role. If one or more of your mother and father or other close relatives is an alcoholic you as well may have a genetic predisposition toward alcoholism. However, even though your parents may be alcoholics, there is no reason you also must endure this illness.
Deciding not to drink is personal. It is a decision in which your genes have no say.Deciding not to consume in excess is also personal.
You have the capability and control over what you do. Even if you do not believe you have an issue, I ask you to re-think your drinking.
Are You a Heavy Drinker?
Excess drinking is a pattern of drinking seen in almost all alcoholics. Heavy drinking is defined as having five or more alcoholic beverages on the same occasion five or more instances in the past month.
Being a recovering alcoholic, I can certainly tell you that almost every time I partook in the drinking of alcohol, I had five or more drinks - normally a lot more.
Recent data has shown that around 17 million U.S. residents can be defined as heavy drinkers. That's practically 7% of everybody 12 and older If you only look at those of legal drinking age, 21, almost 12% are considered to fall into the pattern of heavy drinking.
If you drink heavily it is quite likely you have a drinking problem and should seek help from a group like Alcoholics Anonymous, or if you prefer, try taking an online alcohol awareness course.
Are You Embarrassed by Your Drinking?
Even with commonpublic perception, most heavy drinkers feel shame or guilt about their heavy drinking and alcoholic tendencies. Even when they are in the beginning stages of alcoholism, while they still deny themselves that they are addicted to alcohol, drinkers feel guilty.
They also tend to become embarassed in front of their friends,their family and their work colleagues, because of their behaviors after getting drink. Perhaps it is getting a DWI, or just making a total ass of themselves due to their drunken state.
Again, if you feel ashamed by the amount you drink or how often you drink, it is critical you think about whether or not you are an alcoholic The odds are, you do.
What Have You Got to Hide?
Many problem drinkers are what we term "closet alcoholics." This group tends to hide their drinking from as many people as they can. They may only go to bars far away from their homes and work. Or they may prefer to drink just in the privacy of their own home. Some problem drinkers go to extreme measures to disguise their addiction to alcohol. Alcoholics have been known to keep a container hidden in their office drawer for a quick shot in their latte. Some conceal a flask in their automobile or closet. A surprising number of alcoholics go so far as to fill water or 7 Up bottles with vodka.
Seriously, if you are a "closet alcoholic" and exhibit any of the symptoms listed above, I suggest you look for help immediately Finally, I challenge each of you to stop drinking for 30 days. Check if it helps you to feel better. Be aware of your moods, good and bad (you may exerience signifant mood shifts).
It is essential to be aware that alcohol is a drug and its use must be controlled. If you or anyone you know may be suffering from alcohol dependence, please have them seek help immediately. You can learn more by taking an alcohol awareness class.
Let's commence by asserting that no person has 1 drink of alcohol and it instantly it becomesa problem. Heavy drinking and drinking problems are developed over long periods of time. Of course the span of time will differ from person to person.
Your Genes Can Play A Role
And as is the case with numerous health problems, genetics play an crucial role. If one or more of your mother and father or other close relatives is an alcoholic you as well may have a genetic predisposition toward alcoholism. However, even though your parents may be alcoholics, there is no reason you also must endure this illness.
Deciding not to drink is personal. It is a decision in which your genes have no say.Deciding not to consume in excess is also personal.
You have the capability and control over what you do. Even if you do not believe you have an issue, I ask you to re-think your drinking.
Are You a Heavy Drinker?
Excess drinking is a pattern of drinking seen in almost all alcoholics. Heavy drinking is defined as having five or more alcoholic beverages on the same occasion five or more instances in the past month.
Being a recovering alcoholic, I can certainly tell you that almost every time I partook in the drinking of alcohol, I had five or more drinks - normally a lot more.
Recent data has shown that around 17 million U.S. residents can be defined as heavy drinkers. That's practically 7% of everybody 12 and older If you only look at those of legal drinking age, 21, almost 12% are considered to fall into the pattern of heavy drinking.
If you drink heavily it is quite likely you have a drinking problem and should seek help from a group like Alcoholics Anonymous, or if you prefer, try taking an online alcohol awareness course.
Are You Embarrassed by Your Drinking?
Even with commonpublic perception, most heavy drinkers feel shame or guilt about their heavy drinking and alcoholic tendencies. Even when they are in the beginning stages of alcoholism, while they still deny themselves that they are addicted to alcohol, drinkers feel guilty.
They also tend to become embarassed in front of their friends,their family and their work colleagues, because of their behaviors after getting drink. Perhaps it is getting a DWI, or just making a total ass of themselves due to their drunken state.
Again, if you feel ashamed by the amount you drink or how often you drink, it is critical you think about whether or not you are an alcoholic The odds are, you do.
What Have You Got to Hide?
Many problem drinkers are what we term "closet alcoholics." This group tends to hide their drinking from as many people as they can. They may only go to bars far away from their homes and work. Or they may prefer to drink just in the privacy of their own home. Some problem drinkers go to extreme measures to disguise their addiction to alcohol. Alcoholics have been known to keep a container hidden in their office drawer for a quick shot in their latte. Some conceal a flask in their automobile or closet. A surprising number of alcoholics go so far as to fill water or 7 Up bottles with vodka.
Seriously, if you are a "closet alcoholic" and exhibit any of the symptoms listed above, I suggest you look for help immediately Finally, I challenge each of you to stop drinking for 30 days. Check if it helps you to feel better. Be aware of your moods, good and bad (you may exerience signifant mood shifts).
It is essential to be aware that alcohol is a drug and its use must be controlled. If you or anyone you know may be suffering from alcohol dependence, please have them seek help immediately. You can learn more by taking an alcohol awareness class.
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