The Male Teenager's 9 Early Signs of Alcoholism
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In the 80’s there was a huge explosion of knowledge when the subject of alcoholism became popular on TV talk shows, in the movies, and in books on alcoholism, co-dependency, and adult children of alcoholics; many of the books made it to the best seller lists. At the same time there were national conferences such as the Annual Conference on Alcoholism and the Family and Adult Children of Alcoholics. Other related-theme conferences surrounding the subject also drew focus to this baffling, cunning, powerful, and mighty insidious problem in America. Unfortunately, over the next 30 years the hoopla has died down, but the problem has not. A vast amount of people still carry a stereotype of what a “typical” alcoholic looks and acts like.
If you are asked to close your eyes and picture an alcoholic, do you picture an old person on a street corner begging for money, a homeless person sleeping under a bridge or a piece of cardboard, or someone eating out of a dumpster?
When you pictured the alcoholic were they all male alcoholics? Were any of them young? Statistically it’s pretty much 50% male and 50% female today. Also younger and younger people are being treated for this affliction.Keep in mind alcoholism doesn’t discriminate. It’ll take any age, color, ethnic group or occupation into its grip.
For example were any professionals like a doctor, nurse, teacher, lawyer, or clergyman etc. envisioned? Name any occupation and 10% are alcoholic in one of the 3 stages. They are referred to as “functioning” alcoholics. The visuals would not be wrong; only problem with those pictures are that they are alcoholics in chronic or late stage alcoholism which is only 3% of the alcoholic population! One of the most profound quotes was from Father Joseph Martin, well-known in the field of alcoholism. He stated, “By the time an alcoholic is in chronic stage alcoholism any moron would know he’s got a problem; that’s only three percent of the alcoholic population. We, as a society, needs to be more informed about the other 97% that aren’t in chronic alcoholism, but have the potential to be.” Otherwise one still has a stereotyped vision of an alcoholic. No one wakes up in chronic stage alcoholism; each and every drinker has had to go through early and middle stages first. The visuals would not be wrong; only problem with those pictures are that they are alcoholics in chronic or late stage alcoholism which is only 3% of the alcoholic population! One of the most profound quotes was from Father Joseph Martin, well-known in the field of alcoholism. He stated, “By the time an alcoholic is in chronic stage alcoholism any moron would know he’s got a problem; that’s only three percent of the alcoholic population. We, as a society, needs to be more informed about the other 97% that aren’t in chronic alcoholism, but have the potential to be.” Otherwise one still has a stereotyped vision of an alcoholic. No one wakes up in chronic stage alcoholism; each and every drinker has had to go through early and middle stages first. Understanding the dynamics of the early signs of alcoholism is the purpose of this book - the first in the A.L.E.R.T. (Actual Learning Examples to Recognize Trouble series for teens.)
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About the Book
Teens have a tough time accepting the fact that they might be alcoholics, especially teenage boys. The Male Teenager’s Nine Early Signs of Alcoholism, the first book in the ALERT (Actual Learning Examples of Recognizing Trouble) series is informative and easy to read, providing examples of behaviors in teens that might indicate a potential drinking problem.
Drinking alcohol is very prevalent in our society. Yet many people still believe the stereotype of alcoholics as adults who are in chronic stage alcoholism. No one begins at chronic stage alcoholism; it takes time to get to that point. What’s more, each alcoholic in turn affects five to eight people—family, friends, and anyone else with whom they come in contact. Thus it is even more important to provide access to this valuable information to young people from as young as third grade and through high school and college, insuring they are fully aware of the root causes of alcoholism.
This guide fully explains the early signs of alcoholism in male teenagers and the steps that can be taken to get them help. By making this book available not only to teens but also to their parents, friends, relatives, neighbors, or anyone who may have a problem with alcohol, they can get help to beat teen alcoholism before it’s too late.
About the Author
Over thirty years ago, Becki Bateman began her journey to recovery. She has attended many national conferences on teenage drinking and has worked as a volunteer with teens for alcohol and drug awareness programs. She is retired from a thirty-five-year career in teaching.
Dave Payne is a retired corrections officer with twelve years of experience as an employee assistant program (EAP) coordinator. He attended a special summer alcohol studies program at Rutgers University. He has spent over one thousand hours participating in alcohol and drug training seminars and workshops.