Alcoholism a disease, but help available
One in 13 adults is an alcoholic according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Despite the numbers, Mary Turner, OCCC Student Development counselor, said there is hope.
“The first step to recovery is being able to admit that you have a problem,” Turner said.
Center for Recovery Assessor Bill Gough said people have to be willing to get help.He said when someone is ready to be rehabilitated, he or she will go into intensive treatment and eventually into 12-step programs.
Turner said alcoholics feel in control when others see it differently. She said alcohol helps people drown their problems.
Sometimes parents and friends want to help struggling friends but don’t know how, she said.
Gough said it’s normal to be concerned but warns alcoholics put up their defenses when confronted.
“It’s important to tell them you love them and are concerned about them but to not force the issue,” Gough said.
As much as families and friends want to help, Turner said, some alcoholics need to hit rock bottom before recovery can begin.
For more information onhelp centers for drug and alcohol, call Turner at (405) 682-1611, ext. 7544.
Staff Writer John Savage can be reached at SeniorWriter@occc.edu.
