Mentally rehearsing what I was going to share with others about my decision to stop drinking eased a lot of anxiety in my early days of socializing sober. There are a lot of stigmas that come with sobriety, and it can be exhausting to navigate the never-ending stream of “why don’t you drink? The fear of being judged and not fitting in can feel crippling in early sobriety. You can let this person know that you are going to a gathering or party where there are likely to be triggers. When you experience an urge or craving you can step outside and call this person. Start planning your strategy now, with these #soberholidays tips from The Recovery Book and the workbook companion My Life in Recovery.

Tell Those You Trust That You’re in Recovery

Caring for yourself will give you the reserves to manage both holiday stress and drinking urges and help you to feel your best throughout the season. During the holidays, AA and NA have many gatherings that serve as safe and smart alternatives to alcohol-infused parties. The sober and sober-curious movement has been steadily growing for the last few years, with an increasing number of people deciding to ditch the booze and go “dry” instead. Growing up with two parents in recovery through AA, I used to believe the only reason to quit drinking was full-blown alcoholism until I realized that “Am I an alcoholic? Whether you are newly sober or 5 years into your recovery, it can be difficult to gear up for sobriety during the holidays.

How To Set Boundaries With Your Loved Ones

“If we put our family in front of our recovery, we might prioritize them so much that we end up relapsing and losing our family.” Many people want to support their loved ones, friends, and coworkers on their sobriety journey. “Don’t hesitate to let the host or close friends know about your commitment to sobriety,” Sultan said. “Most will be understanding and might even make accommodations for you.” “Attend gatherings with a friend who’s also sober or understands your journey,” Sultan said. To help support your sobriety over the next few months, we feel it’s important to share with tips to stay sober you our “12 Tips to Staying Clean and Sober during the Holidays”.

What Are Signs Of Addiction Relapse?

• She attends Al-Anon while her husband is in and out of Alcoholics Anonymous.
• Maybe you are worried about your own drug use, or maybe you’re worried about the drug use of someone else.
• “It’s OK to firmly yet politely decline offers to drink,” Sultan said.

Relapse among people with substance use disorder is not uncommon. Have a bedtime routine that allows you enough time to process what happened during the day. Maybe you need a few minutes to meditate before going to bed.

• Call your local United Way or house of worship for information on help with holiday meals and gifts for children.
• Before your holiday schedule becomes packed with parties, get-togethers, family dinners, and more, commit to getting regular sleep.
• If those thoughts begin to creep in—those rationalizations about your eminent capability to now handle your liquor—shut them down immediately.
• You may need to distance yourself from these events to protect your sobriety.
• This helpline is answered by Legacy Healing Center, an addiction treatment provider with treatment facilities in California, Florida, Ohio, and New Jersey.

• Feel confident that the best years of your life lie ahead of you.
• Remember that heavy drinking can be dangerous, even for people with no addiction disorders.
• Walk through potential party scenarios and how you will react.
• We’ve come up with 12 practical tips to help you maintain your sobriety throughout season.

This helpline is answered by Legacy Healing Center, an addiction treatment provider with treatment https://ecosoberhouse.com/ facilities in California, Florida, Ohio, and New Jersey. Don’t worry about facing this holiday season in recovery alone. Consider looking for additional support during the holidays through a recovery support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). One of the best strategies for preventing a relapse is to identify your triggers and come up with strategies for either managing or avoiding those personal triggers when possible. Isolation and loneliness can be major triggers for relapse, especially during the holidays.

• Gone are the days of being limited to water and diet coke.
• Prioritize your wellbeing and make up an excuse for your absences.
• She’s allowed us to share her story, but we’ve changed her name to protect her anonymity.
• For the addicted person and their family, more stress means more vulnerability.
• Remember, each piece of additional treatment and support only strengthens your stand against relapse.

Trying to Stay Sober This Holiday Season? We’ve Got You Covered

Holiday parties often include alcohol and can be tricky to navigate for people who are in any stage of the recovery process. Maintaining sobriety during the holidays, and sticking to your treatment plan, is possible. Rollins said a concept learned in recovery can be a useful reminder to stay sober. “Anything we put in front of our recovery will lose,” Rollins said.

Replies to “37 Ideas to Help You Stay Sober During The Holidays”

So many of us have spent years pleasing others, only to drive ourselves deeper into addiction. It may surprise you how fun the holidays can be once you remove some of the stressors. The helpline at AddictionResource.net is available 24/7 to discuss the treatment needs of yourself or a loved one.

At the outset of Phase I, clients are evaluated for needs in the areas of housing, medical conditions, job prospects, and the like. A client may be referred to community programs and/or practitioners with affiliation agreements with Hope House. This major acquisition secures a vital resource for individuals experiencing homelessness and addresses the need for long-term supportive housing in Boston. Victory Programs, the nonprofit partner managing operations, has also signed a two-year contract with the City to continue site operations through 2027.

Hope House Boston: A Beacon of Recovery and Rehabilitation

The dedicated staff is committed to creating a nurturing environment, where residents can heal and grow. The facility also provides life skills training and employment assistance to help residents reintegrate into society and lead fulfilling lives. It can be the best choice for those who have recently developed an addiction.

Trauma Therapy

Individual psychotherapy lays a robust foundation for a sustainable recovery and a better quality of life by fostering self-awareness, coping strategies, and healthier behavioral responses. Hope House is more than just a treatment center; it’s a community of support and encouragement. The success stories of former residents serve as a testament to the effective care provided at this remarkable facility. If you or a loved one is in need of recovery and rehabilitation services, consider Hope House Boston as your beacon of hope and healing. Hope House offers residential and outpatient programs as well as transitional housing for individuals that have completed a previous recovery program. It offers standard medication-assisted therapy (MAT) as well as counseling and therapy in group and individual settings.

• Building on the City’s ongoing efforts to better serve unsheltered individuals experiencing substance use disorder centered in the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard.
• It combines behavioral therapy with a voucher-based system that rewards individuals for substance-free urine tests.
• Hope House Addiction Services in Boston, Massachusetts, is a non-profit treatment center that focuses on both residential and outpatient care for adult men and women with substance use disorders.
• Treatment usually includes evidence-based therapies (like cognitive behavioral therapy), recovery support meetings, 12-step facilitation, psychoeducation, skills training, and group therapy.
• However, with the right education, family members can become pivotal support pillars during rehabilitation.
• This allows them to focus on the underlying issues of addiction and come up with solutions to prevent future abuse.

Browse by Massachusetts cities

Hope House – Boston peer group support, 12-step programs, and individual counseling may still be involved. Hope House Addiction Services in Boston, Massachusetts, is a non-profit treatment center that focuses on both residential and outpatient care for adult men and women with substance use disorders. It was founded in 1956 and is among the oldest and largest of its kind in the state. A client may choose to continue their journey of Recovery by continuing to engage in supportive services offered by Hope House.

Teen & Adolescent Program

Those in recovery are encouraged to attend 12-step meetings, which guarantee anonymity frequently, have no cost, and are accessible every day. These 12 steps draw from spiritual tenets, assisting participants in confronting the underlying reasons for their addiction, acknowledging their decisions, and embracing the aspects outside their control. Chosen by the participants themselves, sponsors offer individualized guidance and support. Gambling Disorder is a behavioral addiction marked by an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite harmful consequences. Treatment typically combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, group support like Gamblers Anonymous, and occasionally medications for co-existing mental health issues.

Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that Victory Programs, Inc. (VPI), with support from the City of Boston and state partners, has acquired the enVision Hotel at 81 South Huntington Avenue. Building on the City’s ongoing efforts to better serve unsheltered individuals experiencing substance use disorder centered in the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered counseling approach designed to enhance an individual’s intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. Through empathetic engagement and evoking personal reasons for change, MI helps individuals recognize the negative hope house boston consequences of their substance use and empowers them to take steps toward recovery.

• Permanent supportive housing is a proven approach to addressing chronic homelessness by combining affordable housing with on-site services such as case management, mental health support, and substance use treatment.
• They focus on empowering individuals through education and support, helping them become self-sufficient members of their communities.
• By clicking the “Submit” button, you certify that you have provided your legal name and your own phone number, you agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy and authorize California Behavioral Health.
• Hope House is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
• In conclusion, Norman Chapman’s impact on the field ‍of economics and his dedication to ‌education and research ⁢are undeniable.
• Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference in the lives of those seeking recovery from addiction.

Hope House Addiction services, better known as “Hope House”, is the oldest residential drug rehab facility in Greater Boston. It primarily caters to the needs of adults with substance use disorder (SUD). During the second phase of treatment, residents receive support in obtaining employment or, if they are physically unable to work, structured volunteer activities.

Speak confidentially with one of our substance use specialists about finding a program that is right for you. After all, the non-addict is likely suffering just as much. Look inward and listen to yourself – what do you want, regardless of what your addicted loved one is going through? Try to address those needs and wants and take them seriously. Go on dates, be completely honest with one another, and try to treat the marriage as a new relationship.

How do you let go of someone you love with an addiction?

If they’ve been using for many years, their development may also have been stunted. Darlene, I read your words and was touched by how much I have been through and continue to go through in a “recovery marriage.” I love the top-dog under-dog analogy. If you or your spouse are in recovery, you may hope to go back to the way things were before. Unfortunately, addiction is often accompanied by deception, neglect and deep hurt. It’s impossible to forget everything that has happened. Whether one or both of you struggle with a substance use problem, there is hope.

Go to Marriage Counseling for Addiction

• In fact, once these issues are addressed and worked through, you may be able to create a new marriage.
• A Spouse’s Guide to Alcoholism Recovery, Sheri and I worked together to write our new ebook from her perspective.
• However, marriages are much more likely to last if addiction treatment is sought out.
• Anxiety might be a cover for stress, emptiness, depression, and shame.
• Being patient will be key in getting your marriage back on track, whether you’re living with an alcoholic/drug addict in recovery or you are an alcoholic/drug addict in recovery.

If you’re having a hard time identifying these negative emotions, that’s okay. It’s human to feel a wide range of emotions as you go through this process. The important thing is to recognize them for what they are so that you can name them and begin to let them go.

If you’re seeking support…

He has served as a Consultant & Licensure Specialist to numerous facilities and has served as a Drug Court Panel member. Hopefully, the partner has also been in a 12-Step program, such as Nar-Anon or Al-Anon. New sobriety leaves a void, which formerly was filled with all the mental and physical activity of trying to control and manipulate the addiction and substance abuser. Being a codependent caretaker hid their inner emptiness. Feelings of anxiety, anger, loss, boredom, and depression may arise. The spouse is now “out of a job” of watching, enabling, and checking up on the addict and taking over his or her responsibilities.

• If you are in recovery from addiction, it’s important to take things slow when it comes to rebuilding your marriage.
• But originally, it was created to describe the romantic partners (usually women, although we now know that men can become codependent as well) of people with SUD.
• You can’t truly make a plan or achieve a goal if you don’t have any goals, so make sure you clarify what your goals are so that you’re both on the same page.
• When long-awaited sobriety finally arrives, partners expect their past relationship problems will disappear.
• That could include individual or couples counseling when necessary for relationship tune-ups, or checking in regularly with their support groups.
• In fact, over half of recovering addicts we surveyed said they can communicate more openly and honestly with their loved ones, and their loved ones trust them more than before.
• Being a codependent caretaker hid their inner emptiness.

Living with someone who has substance use disorder can be difficult, marriage changes after sobriety and also create changes in your relationship. Although recovery is positive for the whole family, it may not be as idyllic as you hope. Al-Anon is a 12-step based peer support group for family members of people addicted to alcohol and drugs. You can find a local or virtual support group, and access additional resources, on their website.

Learning the Language of Addiction Recovery

Bill would draw me in emotionally and then shut the door tight, with me on the outside. There was a limit to his vulnerability though he longed for mine. I experienced it as his fear https://ecosoberhouse.com/ that I would not love him if I really knew him. This puzzled me as I had repeatedly been present to him. When it was triggered, which often occurred in his family relationships, he immediately withdrew. Blind to the phantom of addiction I was battling, I threw my executive skills at him.

I discovered that those traits were his innate qualities and not alcohol-induced. Sobriety can bring about significant changes in a person and their relationships. While it can be a challenging time, many marriages not only survive but Alcohol Use Disorder thrive in sobriety.

• It’s important to remember that recovery is a lifelong process, and relapses can happen.
• My pregnancy added an additional challenge to the recovery process.
• For non-addict spouses, it can feel like their partner has totally disappeared.
• I experienced it as his fear that I would not love him if I really knew him.

Can Marriage Survive Sobriety—What It Looks Like in the Long Term

It’s suggested that you’re careful of these behaviors, as they can lead to a codependent dynamic. That’s because codependency is a relationship trait and condition that’s independent of the substance use itself. In other words, it continues even when the substance use has stopped. Codependency can continue to affect marriages even after your partner has become sober. These codependent people take care of their partners that live with a condition.

Top 5 Films About Opioid Addiction

This is because of the way long-term substance use has affected both partners as well as the relationship itself. Some couples can thrive immediately after the addicted partner becomes sober. As we discussed in the introduction, codependency is a hard pattern to break. If you’re going to work on your relationship with your spouse, you have to first work on your relationship with yourself. This means that you have to overcome your codependency and begin to take care of yourself. If you need a calm, peaceful place to work through the 12 steps, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery for information on our residential recovery programs.

If it felt like your life revolved around their addiction, then you’ll need to lean on like-minded people who can understand and support you. Because of this, you’ll need to be patient, take care of yourself, and have firm boundaries. Remember, you are never obligated to stay in your marriage, especially, if you aren’t happy. Aim to be communicative with your partner, but realize that they need to learn how to regulate their own moods, actions, and behaviors. Removing the addictive substance won’t cure your spouse of their character defects completely.

This is particularly true when getting fairly large pieces or a tattoo in an area visible to others. Thus, finding a well-reviewed and highly qualified artist is an essential part of your process to getting a sobriety tattoo. Sobriety tattoos for someone recovering from drug abuse may have more artistic elements to them than those used by someone recovering from alcohol addiction. This prayer is meant to help remind individuals of their strengths and weaknesses when recovering from addiction, and to keep their faith in the process.

• If an individual were to relapse and begin using or drinking again, the tattoo could become a permanent reminder of their struggle.
• Here, I crafted a meaningful sobriety tattoo showcasing a powerful image of clasped hands, symbolizing support and unity in the journey of recovery.
• It’s a powerful symbol for those in 12-step programs, reminding them of the principles that guide their recovery.

The Best Sobriety Tattoo Designs

In these sobriety tattoos, the boxer may be bloodied and bruised, but he continues to keep fighting. These sobriety tattoos have a similar concept to the bottom of the glass. This kind of sobriety tattoo shows you the bad things that await you at the bottom of a glass. Such sobriety tattoos also prove that you are willing to tackle your biggest issues head-on. These sobriety tattoos show that you accept your past and rather than trying to hide it, you are trying to learn from it so that you can be a better person. Also, you can switch up upper and lowercase letters in such sobriety tattoos, drawing the focus to specific, important words.

The Power and Positivity of Sobriety Ink

I will help you find meaningful tattoo ideas that symbolize your journey of recovery from addiction. This detailed tattoo captures a powerful moment of resilience and recovery. A person, in a stance of support and self-love, embraces their own body atop a base of sturdy, weathered wood representing a foundation of strength. It’s a vivid symbol for those seeking sobriety tattoos or recovery tattoo ideas—perfect for anyone commemorating a personal journey with recovery tattoos. This minimalist hummingbird design, created with clean, single lines, symbolizes the joy and freedom that come with sobriety and recovery.

Sobriety Tattoo: Bold Triangle Symbol with Date, Celebrating Recovery Milestones Explore Recovery Tattoo Ideas

• To wear the double ‘A’ design is a mark of pride, a badge of honor showcasing their journey to recovery.
• Popular symbols for sobriety tattoos include the AA symbol, recovery ribbons, and dates marking sobriety milestones.
• This sobriety tattoo showcases the Serenity Prayer, a popular choice for those celebrating recovery, surrounded by gentle birds in flight, symbolizing freedom and the journey toward peace.

Drinking alcohol can impair your ability to follow aftercare instructions diligently. Forgetting to clean the tattoo, apply ointments, or avoid certain activities can lead to complications that hinder the healing process. First and foremost, drinking alcohol before getting a tattoo is generally not recommended. Alcohol is a blood thinner, which means it can increase bleeding during the tattooing process.

• They are not merely artistic expressions but deeply personal symbols that mark a significant milestone in the journey of recovery.
• This wrist tattoo showcases a sun and a crescent moon, each incorporating a star, symbolizing the light and hope that guide one’s path in sobriety.
• Consider the themes and symbols that resonate with your personal journey.
• Whether you’re looking for specific symbols, quotes, or designs, I can provide suggestions and guidance to help you find the perfect tattoo.

It may also be beneficial to try and find an artist that has previous experience working with pieces dedicated to addiction recovery and sobriety. Furthermore, for many people, even a few words or a singular symbol can give them the boost they need to make it through particularly difficult periods in their recovery journey. This is especially true for people who may not have solid support systems in place.

• It’s a popular choice for those seeking recovery tattoos that remind them of their continuous path to sobriety.
• Of course, there are some downfalls with getting a sobriety tattoo that an individual may want to keep in mind.
• The Alcoholics Anonymous symbol also looks like (and is) composed of a triangle within a circle.
• As anyone who is trying to be booze-free or drug-free knows, it isn’t an easy task.
• Some people choose temporary tattoos as a way to try out designs or symbols before committing to something permanent.
• Here, a group of people share the difficulties they have faced with their alcohol problem in front of a group accompanied by a moderator.

Timeless Cityscape: Inspiring Sobriety & Recovery Tattoo Design

Acknowledging each milestone with a tattoo not only celebrates personal achievement but also reinforces the individual’s ongoing dedication to a sober lifestyle. Choosing the right tattoo artist is crucial when marking a milestone as significant as your recovery. It’s essential to find someone who not only possesses the skill to bring your vision to life but understands the weight of what the tattoo represents. Look for artists who are experienced in creating sobriety and recovery tattoos, as they will be more likely to appreciate the depth of your journey. Research artists’ portfolios to see if their style aligns with your vision, and read reviews to gauge how they interact with their clients.

Each tattoo is as unique as stable life of the person wearing it, and that, my friends, is the true beauty of this art. For anyone considering a sobriety tattoo, it’s important to choose a design that resonates with their journey. Remember that recovery is a deeply personal experience, and a sobriety tattoo should reflect that. If a permanent tattoo seems like too much of a commitment, there are alternatives. Some people choose temporary tattoos as a way to try out designs or symbols before what is Oxford House committing to something permanent.

An example of these tattoos may include the words “booze-free” with a tally-mark underneath them, signifying the number of months, or even years, that a person has been sober. Progressive tattoos can help people keep track of their progress towards achieving their ultimate goal of permanent sobriety. Thus, these tattoos can be placed in a more discrete area, making them less subject to judgment of others.

The Meaning Behind Sobriety Tattoos

Since it is a two-liner prayer, it is often tattooed on the shoulders, thighs, or chest. If living with permanent geometric shapes alcoholism tattoo is not okay with you, you can hold these symbols in other ways. You can have a sobriety coin or card or wear these symbols in other ways, such as jewelry or enamel pins. The latter also makes the best gifts for the recovering addict in your life.

“The most significant contribution of this study is the focus it provides for future research on the interaction of personal and environmental factors in the development of alcohol abuse and alcoholism,” said Gordis. “Fortunately, this report comes at a time when NIAAA has stringently tested and proved effective several preventive interventions that can be applied in schools and communities.” If you feel that you sometimes drink too much alcohol, or your drinking is causing problems, or if your family is concerned about your drinking, talk with your health care provider. Other ways to get help include talking with a mental health professional or seeking help from a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar type of self-help group.

• When we look at the midlife onset group, we see a bit of a different narrative.
• The chart shows the age distribution of those dying premature deaths due to alcohol.
• We should always approach alcohol-related problems with compassion and an understanding that is often a way for people to try to cope with the difficulties of life.
• And that’s when most of us are experiencing the highs and lows of this newfound freedom.
• A growing body of evidence on GLP-1 drugs points to significant effects on behaviors.

How Does Addiction Develop in the Brain?

When problematic alcohol use happens at that stage, it might disrupt a lot of these established structures, so impairment can be deeper and more consequential. An important thing to What we found is that about two-thirds of individuals with early-onset alcohol dependence did not meet criteria for problematic alcohol use at midlife, meaning that by midlife, they were admitted. That might be another reason why we didn’t see as much impairment, alcohol-related impairment, for that group at midlife. Enhanced voluntary alcohol drinking in dependent mice produced brain alcohol concentrations similar to those achieved during the chronic alcohol exposure that initially rendered the animals dependent.

Rethinking Drinking

Alcohol use disorder, which includes alcohol dependence, is defined in the WHO’s International Classification of Diseases (available here). Alcohol use disorder (AUD) refers to the drinking of alcohol that causes mental and physical health problems. When we look at national averages in this way, there is no distinct relationship between income and alcohol consumption. As shown by clusters of countries (for example, Middle Eastern countries with low alcohol intake but high GDP per capita), we tend to see strong cultural patterns that tend to alter the standard income-consumption relationship we may expect. By default, the data for France is shown – in recent decades, here, the share of beer consumption increased to make up around a fifth of alcohol consumption in France. Global trends on alcohol abstinence show a mirror image of drinking prevalence data.

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4.2. Psychological factors

Heavy drinking in this population is five or more drinks in one day or 15 or more drinks in a week. People assigned female at birth (AFAB) should limit drinking to one drink a day. Heavy drinking in this population is four or more drinks a day or eight drinks a week. To learn more about alcohol treatment options and search for quality care near you, please visit https://www.ndrugs.com/?s=recovery%20food the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator.

Prevention of Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol can interfere with a person’s ability to care for their other medical conditions or make other medical conditions worse. High rates of depression and anxiety have been reported in adolescents with alcohol-use disorders, with increased rates of suicidality. Among clinical populations for alcohol-use disorders there was an increased rate of anxiety symptoms and disorder, PTSD and social phobias (Clark et al., 1997a and 1997b). For young people the presentation may be different because dependence is not https://historyoftoronto.ca/blog/explore-the-treasures-of-torontos-rich-history-uncover-the-citys-historical-attractions common, with binge drinking being the pattern seen more often, frequently alongside polydrug use. Criminality and offending behaviour are often closely related to alcohol misuse in children and adolescents.

If your pattern of drinking results in repeated significant distress and problems functioning in your daily life, you likely have alcohol use disorder. However, even a mild disorder can escalate and lead to serious problems, so early treatment is important. Alcohol use disorder is a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling https://mytopgear.ru/topgear/richard-hammonds-top-gear-uncovered-dvd/ your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol or continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems. This disorder also involves having to drink more to get the same effect or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking. Alcohol use disorder includes a level of drinking that’s sometimes called alcoholism.

What is a standard drink measure?

• There is no single factor that accounts for the variation in individual risk of developing alcohol-use disorders.
• Of the residential programmes, 45% provide inpatient medically-assisted alcohol withdrawal and 60% provide residential rehabilitation with some overlap between the two treatment modalities.
• Nevertheless, numerous pharmacotherapies have been employed to treat alcoholism, guided principally by advancing knowledge about alcohol’s interactions with various components of the brain’s reward and stress pathways (Heilig and Egli 2006; Litten et al. 2005; Spanagel and Kiefer 2008).
• Medications, such as benzodiazepines, are given to help control withdrawal symptoms.
• When you drink too much, your liver has a harder time filtering the alcohol and other toxins from your bloodstream.

Alcohol is rapidly absorbed in the gut and reaches the brain soon after drinking. This quickly leads to changes in coordination that increase the risk of accidents and injuries, particularly when driving a vehicle or operating machinery, and when combined with other sedative drugs (for example, benzodiazepines). Its adverse effects on mood and judgement can increase the risk of violence and violent crime. Heavy chronic alcohol consumption increases the risk of mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, psychosis, impairments of memory and learning, alcohol dependence and an increased risk of suicide. Both acute and chronic heavy drinking can contribute to a wide range of social problems including domestic violence and marital breakdown, child abuse and neglect, absenteeism and job loss (Drummond, 1990; Head et al., 2002; Velleman & Orford, 1999). Alcohol dependence is thought to represent a persistent dysfunctional (i.e., allostatic) state in which the organism is ill-equipped to exert appropriate behavioral control over alcohol drinking.

As I was exploring the world of externalizing disorders that led me to the world of substance use disorders, specifically problematic alcohol use. And as I was examining the literature, I noticed that in our field, we often look at alcohol-related problems as a young person’s problem. So I dug deeper into that research, and I realized it doesn’t just belong to one developmental stage in life, and it can come up in unexpected stages of life, like midlife, at a time when people are expected to have things figured out. That’s when I really became fascinated by this idea and wanted to understand this understudied group more. Alcoholism has been known by a variety of terms, including alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.