One of the biggest problems with addicts is denial. The world and his brother knows the individual has a problem long before the addict himself will admit to it. Once the addict owns his problem, he has usually gone pretty far down the track, and quite often leaves a destruction trail behind himself and others. One of my first jobs is to get the addict to understand that he is powerless over his problem and that his life has become unmanageable as a result of it. If we cannot get him to admit this, then we cannot really move on.
This goes without saying, but one of the best ways to avoid succumbing to an alcohol addiction is to steer clear from people or places that encourage your former habit. Staying away from bars or nightclubs, places where alcohol is prevalent, is helpful. Keeping the drinks out of your hand can help to keep them out of your body. Avoid large social gathering where binge drinking is the norm. You may feel alienated, but avoidi…
