Alcoholism Health Article

Treatment options

The following key issues should be considered in determining which treatment option is appropriate:

• severity of the problem and evidence to suggest other mental health problems (e.g. depression, suicide attempts)
• staff credentials of those treating the child or teen, and what forms of therapy (e.g., family, group, medications) are to be used
• nature of family involvement
• how education is to be continued during treatment
• if an in-patient program is necessary, what length it should be
• what aftercare is to be provided following discharge
• what portion of treatment is to be covered by health insurance and what needs to be paid out of pocket

Alcoholics Anonymous

Since its inception in the 1930s, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been an important non-medical means of treating alcoholism with millions of members worldwide, many of whom are teenagers. It is a spiritual but non-religious program that fosters abstinence from alcohol based upon a belief that the person suffering from alcoholism is "powerless" over their addiction. AA suggests that people can stay free of alcohol by using an attitude that focuses on "one day at a time" and that consciously seeks spiritual support from "a power greater than themselves." AA is generally a part of most in-patient treatment and rehabilitation programs.

Prognosis

Prevention provides the best possible prognosis for alcohol abuse and dependence. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence estimates that parents who talk with their children regularly about the danger from drugs (including alcohol) have children who are 42 percent less likely to use these substances. Once alcoholism is present, abstinence is the only known completely successful treatment. Children suffering from alcohol dependence continue for the rest of their lives to be at risk for problems with alcohol if they again drink. The prognosis is excellent for young alcoholics who remain alcohol-free and who do not substitute other drugs for alcohol, sometimes called "chewing their booze" in AA.

Prevention

Alcohol use and abuse has been a feature of Western culture for centuries, a facet of American life since Europeans arrived in North America, literally arriving with the pilgrims on the Mayflower. It is typically part of U.S. celebrations and even some American-observed religious rites. Because alcohol overuse and abuse has been so much a part of Western experience, there is clearly a tremendous need–among children and adults—for better education about both alcohol consumption and alcoholism. The statistics indicate that parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals need to begin educating children as early as possible regarding the risks involved in alcohol use. Parents who provide the example of limiting their own alcohol and other drug use can help their children inestimably. It should never be inferred that difficult situations can be better coped with by having a drink or that getting drunk is either helpful or amusing. Moreover, parents and other adults need to set the example by not driving a car or operating machinery while they are drinking or under the influence of alcohol.

The APA suggests the following as the most effective ways that parents can aid their children in resisting drinking:

• Provide children with self-confidence by building self-esteem and not engaging in constant criticism. Good self-esteem is the best defense against peer pressure to drink.
• Listen to children. Parents who listen attentively and provide support during difficult times give their children invaluable aid in coping with pressures.
• Get to know the children's friends.
• Provide supervision and discourage teens from attending parties where alcohol is served or parents are absent, and band together with other parents to arrange alcohol-free social events for children.
• Be available and encourage children and teens to call home for a ride rather than drive with someone who has been drinking; assure children there will be no recrimination, as SADD recommends.
• Teach therapeutic coping mechanisms by modeling how to handle stress, pain, or tension in healthy ways, by exercising, using yoga and meditation, and talking about feelings.
• Understand the tremendous importance of child and adolescent issues, including alcohol and other drug use and acceptance by peers; be ready and able to discuss these subjects with children.
• Encourage and participate in enjoyable, worthwhile activities with children; be reassuring that there is time enough for both work and fun.
• Be willing to learn about alcohol abuse; attend, along with their children, programs offered by schools, churches, and other groups providing information about the prevention of alcohol abuse.
• Maintain healthy lines of communication with children; remember the saying, "You are only as sick as the secrets you keep."