Talking about alcohol use takes courage, but sharing our stories connects us and makes us stronger. We are all people and deserve to be seen and treated as such. Removing the stigma around talking about alcohol is the first step towards reducing harm in our community. Stigma is a damaging thing. It keeps us from seeking help, from helping others (as though alcoholism is contagious), and from keeping an open mind. Stigma leads to guilt and shame, causing people to hide their addictions and prevents them from getting the treatment they need.
According to Dr. Paul Gilbert from the University of Iowa College of Public Health, “Although 20% of adult Iowans are abusing alcohol, the impacts are far-reaching and stretch beyond just the drinker, to family, friends, co-workers, and others in their circle, and can have lifelong impacts if not addressed.” So, what can WE do to help? The best ways to end stigma is to get to know more, talk about it, and to show compassion. The causes of alcohol addiction can be very complex and filled with numerous variables. By taking the time to learn the whys around why people drink, you can learn to understand why drinking occurs. This can help reduce your own stigmas, preconceived notions, and begin to change your views around drinking. By talking about it, you can help humanize the disease and give hope that recovery is possible. Always show compassion. People need support, not scorn or shame. Just because someone is struggling with alcohol consumption, that doesn’t make them less of a person.
How do you talk to someone about their alcohol use? First, pick the moment for a conversation. A good time is when the person is in a good head space. Always give the person time to talk about their experiences and their feelings. Support them if they’re ready to make a positive change. Some good conversation starters can be: “I’m a bit worried about you…”, “Do you feel you drink more than you plan to sometimes?”, or “Are you worried about your drinking?”. Never place blame or use accusations. Use the conversation to connect and support. Always communicate with care, offer information and available resources, provide as much ongoing support as you can, and remain committed to checking in on them periodically.
Having these conversations is so important, not only to the person drinking, but also to those involved in their lives. Our actions affect those around us – our partners, our children, our friends, our co-workers, and in some cases, it can even affect our community. Drinking lowers our inhibitions, our ability to function normally, and can cause physical harm. Alcohol causes impaired driving leading to car accidents, pedestrian casualties, and increases in traffic stops. Alcohol can cause us to ruin good relationships, cause us to be unreliable employees, and affects our ability to parent. Alcohol abuse has become so normalized in our community that we even have parents providing alcohol for minors in their homes. This continues the cycle of alcohol abuse through generations. This cycle must stop, and we need to find healthier ways to deal with our traumas outside of drinking.
By taking the time to have a conversation, you can help reduce the harm in our community, conserve community funds, help families, end the generational cycle pattern, and start to reduce the stigma around talking about alcohol abuse. Change often begins with one person – be the change our community needs!
Community Resources
ADDS (319) 524-4397
Sieda Community Action (641) 682-8741
Counseling Associates (319) 524-0510
Young House Family Services (319) 524-2386
R & R Counseling Solutions (319) 293-3635
Quitline Iowa (800) 784-8669
Your Life Iowa.org (855) 581-8111
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