Alcohol

Dependency

Set
Your
Self
Free
 Alcoholics suffer from a physical disease.

Know the facts.

Alcoholism is a disease that affects
the mind and body.
People may become alcoholics if they consume
alcohol and develop a physical and emotional
dependence.
An alcoholic’s body processes alcohol differently
from a non-alcoholic’s body.
Alcoholics’ bodies adapt to allow them to drink
greater amounts of alcohol.
Alcoholics must drink in response to a physical
need.
Alcoholics may feel sick when they do not drink.
Know the signs.
Signs that you should be concerned
about.
1. Do you feel sick when you go without drinking
alcohol?
2. Can you drink more than your companions
without feeling a buzz or having a hangover?
3. Do you find yourself drinking alcohol more
frequently throughout the day, week, or month?
4. Have people approached you with concerns
about your drinking?
5. Have you ever felt embarrassed or ashamed
about your drinking?
*14 million people in the U.S. abuse alcohol or are
alcoholic. 1 in every 13 adults is affected.*
Source: National institute of alcohol abuse and alcoholism
Web site @http://www.niaaa.nih.gov
Know the effects.
Why you should be concerned.
Alcoholism can cause a person to feel out of
control.
Alcoholism can decrease the joy once felt for every
day life. recovery group meeting to increase your hope and
chances for success.
Abuse of alcohol can cause serious medical
problems that may lead to death. Enroll in a detox program.

Alcoholics have an increased risk of depression,
anxiety and other mental illnesses.
Alcoholism can lead to suicide.
*In 2000, there were approximately 85,000 deaths
attributable to either excessive or risky drinking in the
U.S., making alcohol the third leading actual cause of
death.*
Source: Center for Disease Control Website @http://www.cdc.gov
Mokdad A, Marks J, Stroup D, Gerberding J. Actual cause of death in the
United States, JAMA 2004;291:1238-1245.
Health care professionals can provide medication
and counseling programs to ease the symptoms of
withdrawal.
Join a support group to ensure a successful
recovery when you leave any program
*700,000 Americans receive treatment for
alcoholism everyday.*
Source: National institute of alcohol abuse and alcoholism
Web site @http://www.niaaa.nih.gov

Know how to stop. Know how to live.

You can stop drinking You can live without alcohol

Surround yourself with people who will Establish healthy daily routines
support your efforts.
Dispose of all alcohol and remove any items that
Attend an Alcoholics Anonymous or other addiction might increase your urge to drink.
Assume responsibility for your physical and mental
health and happiness.
Bath and dress each morning so you look and feel
your best.
Eat well balanced meals throughout the day to
maintain your energy and decrease cravings.
Get plenty of sleep each night to allow your body
and brain time to rest.
Clean and organize your home to reflect your
change in lifestyle.
Fill your time with new and rewarding
experiences
Develop hobbies and get involved in activities in an
environment free of alcohol.
Volunteer to help others
Develop skills that could open up new opportunities
Share your achievements and become a role model
for the successful recovery of others.
Attend support group meetings and form
friendships with sober people who will support your
efforts.
Take advantage of social activities that support
groups may offer.
Celebrate your personal accomplishments!
Know where to go for help.
You are not alone
Emergency assistance and information
National Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Information Call Center
 24 hr hotline for treatment programs
1-800-784-6776
24 hour hotline for detox centers
1-888-24-detox
http://www.findtreatment.gov
http://www.addictioncareoptions.com
http://www.alcoholism.about.com
Shelters
AA Massachusetts
(617)-426-9444
http://www.aaboston.org
SMART Recovery (Self management and recovery
training) (A non faith based support group for
addicts and alcoholics)
1-866-951-5357
http://www.smartrecovery.org

To find the shelter nearest you contact:

Massachusetts Coalition for the homeless Use your insight to guide your quest for a new life.
(781)-595-7570
http://www.mahomeless.org
Acknowledge the strength it takes to achieve
Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance sobriety.
(617)-367-6447

Aid for endangered or battered women can be

found by calling Safelink at 1-877-785-2020

Support Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous
(A faith based support group for alcoholics)

AA National
(212)-870-3400
http://www.aa.org