"... One day I realized that I was losing my family, my friends were avoiding me, and I had more and more problems at work... Why is all of this happening to me? ..."

My of us think of alcoholism as a shameful or difficult problem which does not affect us directly.

Is this true?

According to American statistics, 10% of all drinkers become alcohol-dependent. Each alcoholic directly affects four other lives. To bring it closer to home - almost every second person we know suffers because he or she or someone close to them abuses alcohol.

It is very difficult to set clear cut boundaries between social drinking, alcohol abuse and the disease of alcoholism. The early warning signs of alcohol dependence: increased tolerance for alcohol, black-outs, drinking for relief from hangovers, and having more "reasons" to drink, are usually ignored, not only by a drinker but also by his loved ones.

Later, when the alcoholic loses control over alcohol and gets drunk almost each time he or she reaches for a drink, problems start to pile up in all areas of life: family, work, physical health, finances, etc. To break this cycle, he or she needs qualified help.

With alcoholism, as with any other disease, the earlier the treatment begins, the better the chances for recovery.

If you or someone you know has problems resulting from alcohol abuse, save him and yourself from further troubles and humiliation.

Reach out today for professional help.