LMAS: Dependence Occurs in the Best of Families
Local Treatment Services Are Offered

Dependence on alcohol and drugs is the most serious public health problem in the nation, reported Luce Mackinac Alger Schoolcraft (LMAS) Health Department September 10, and it is prevalent among rich and poor, in all regions of the country, and all ethnic and social groups. LMAS offers local services to help people recover from dependency.

Millions of Americans misuse or are dependent on alcohol or drugs. Most of them have families who suffer the consequences, often serious, of living with this illness.

Drug or alcohol dependence disorders are medical conditions that can be effectively treated. Millions of Americans and their families are in healthy recovery from this disease.

Most individuals who abuse alcohol or drugs have jobs and are productive members of society, creating a false hope in the family that "it's not that bad," LMAS reports. The problem is that addiction tends to worsen over time, hurting both the addicted person and all the family members. It is especially damaging to young children and adolescents.

People with this illness really may believe that they drink normally or that "everyone" takes drugs. These false beliefs are called denial, and this is a part of the illness.

If someone misuses alcohol or drugs, the first step is to be honest about the problem and to seek help.

Treatment can occur in a variety of settings, in many different forms, and for different lengths of time. Stopping the alcohol or drug use is the first step to recovery, and most people need help to stop, LMAS reports. Often a person with alcohol or drug dependence will need treatment provided by professionals, just as with other diseases. A doctor may be able to guide the process.

Getting a loved one to agree to accept help, and finding support services for all family members are the first steps toward healing for the addicted person and the entire family, LMAS reports.

When an addicted person is reluctant to seek help, sometimes family members, friends, and associates come together out of concern and love, to confront the dependent person. They strongly urge the person to enter treatment and list the serious consequences of not doing so, such as family breakup or job loss. This is called "intervention." When carefully prepared and done with the guidance of a competent, trained specialist, the family, friends, and associates are usually able to convince their loved one - in a firm and loving manner- that the only choice is to accept help and begin the road to recovery.

People with alcohol or drug dependence problems can and do recover. Intervention is often the first step.

If you know of someone needing help, contact Community Health at LMAS District Health Department, which has specialists able to help in their recovery. The department can be reached at 643- 1100, extension 112.