PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common problem in soldiers who
have experienced combat. Often the individual with PTSD will try to medicate symptoms by use of drugs or alcohol, and develop a drug or alcohol problem too. Both problems must be treated.
PTSD Resources

VA National Center for PTSD
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/

Information Line
802.296.8300

VA Suicide
PTSD Hot Line
1.800.273.TALK, Press 1

How Can I get Trustworthy Answers to Questions about Alcoholism?

The answer is that you can contact me, the expert author of the Blog, Jan Edward Williams. I will, for a reasonable fee that you can pay online, answer your question the same day you ask it, all online or supplemented, if you wish, by telephone.
Jan Edwayd Williams, MS, JD, LCADC
http://www.alcoholdrugsos.com
jwilliams@alcoholdrugsos.com
443-610-3569

Alcoholism and depression

Here are my ideas on dual diagnosis, also called comorbidity. 85 to 90 percent of alcoholics, depending on the population, do NOT have a coexisting (or pre-existing) mental health disorder such as depression. Often any depression or anxiety is due to the CNS depressant effects of chronic excessive alcohol use, which will dissipate with a substantial period of abstinence. If an individual has both depression and alcoholism, obviously, if the depression is severe enough to endanger the person through suicide or self-harm, then the depression will need to be stabilized immediately. However, talk therapy or even antidepressant medications for the depression will often NOT be very effective if the alcoholic continues to drink. So, generally, absent danger-to-life issues, the alcoholism should be treated first, that is, the drinking stopped and alcoholism treatment completed. Usually, if the depression is related to the alcoholism, it will not be a problem after 30 days of sobriety and treatment. Check out my website for more information and professional help.
Jan Edward Williams, MS, JD, LCADC
http://www.alcoholdrugsos.com
jwilliams@alcoholdrugsos.com
443-610-3569

How Do You Treat Alcoholism?

First the alcoholic needs to decide, based on failed attempts to control use and avoid consequences, that he/she can no longer drink successfully. The next step is to find support and treatment. Often the best approach is to seek help from a professional addictions counselor or tretament program and begin attending meetings of the 12 Step Programs, namely Alcoholics Anonymous. Alcohol addiction is very powerful and most individuals need treatment and the support of others who have learned how to stay sober. Check out my website for more information, http://www.alcoholdrugsos.com.

What does an alcoholic or drug addict look like?

The answer to the question, What does an alcoholic or drug addict look like?, is this: an alcoholic or drug addict looks like you or me, that is, anyone reading this blog entry. The vast majority of alcoholics and drug addicts are employed, with families, significant others, children, homes, cars, etc. Only a small percentage of alcoholics and drug addicts fits the old stereotype of the homeless, unemployed, perhaps dirty individual in torn clothes, maybe a trenchcoat, with bad morals, engaging in criminal behaviors, and so on. The alcoholic or addict is you or me, and uses alcohol or other drugs in the face of a pattern of adverse consequences. He or she has a disease that is treatable.

Just for today

Hello,
It is so important to individuals seeking to recover from addiction, or to recover from the effects of addiction in a loved one, to to try to focus on today, rather than the past or the future. "Just for today" I can handle the challenges of my life, especially if I try to find support from a source of spiritual strength (Higher Power, God as I understand God).