This book contains proven steps and strategies on what you need to know if you love an alcoholic, and help you to assess how serious a drinking problem is. Many health professionals now consider alcoholism to be the largest single medical problem in the US. There may be few outward signs during the early stages of alcoholism. The person may be able to function fairly normally. Some personality changes may be apparent, for example, increasing conflict with family members, and an inability to handle stress. Another early symptom is an increase in the amount of alcohol a person needs to drink in order to get the same effect a lesser amount produced in the past. The alcoholic may also experience lapses in memory (blackouts), and feeling that a drinking pattern is getting out of control. 

In the final stages of alcoholism, the victim, while rarely deriving pleasure from alcohol, is unable to go for very long without a drink. One of the prime symptoms of alcoholism, and the symptom that makes the disease so hard to treat, is denial. The alcoholic is unlikely to admit, either to himself or herself or to others, that a problem with alcohol exists. The chronic drinker will probably attribute alcohol-related problems to some other causes. Family members and friends may also deny the problem by looking the other way when destructive behavior is exhibited. This denial can lead to a worsening, physical and mental condition. 

Alcoholism is physically destructive, giving rise to many other forms of disease, for example, cancer of the liver, esophagus, colon, stomach, and breast. Chronic alcohol abuse can also lead to hypertension, stroke, heart attack, and brain damage. Pancreas and kidney disease, along with a host of other physical disorders - hepatitis, cirrhosis, esophageal bleeding, blood disorders - may also result from alcoholism. Alcoholism can also trigger a host of personal problems. Alcoholics may become less productive at work, and may eventually lose their jobs. Marriages may not endure the strain, and children may suffer emotionally and sometimes physically from a parent who is an alcoholic. An alcoholic abuser may feel a general sense of loss of control over his or her life.

Here is a preview of what you'll learn....

• Five subtypes of alcoholics
• Signs and symptoms of alcoholism
• Tips on how to give up alcohol
• Signs your loved one is an alcoholic
• How to help an alcoholic stop drinking
• Things you should not do
• Things to remember if you love an alcoholic
• The secrets to helping an alcoholic loved one
• Much, much more!