In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 3rd refined the definition of alcoholism by differentiating between alcohol abuse and dependence. However, people continue to use the term “alcoholism” when they discuss all forms of “problem drinking,” when in fact alcoholism and abuse have specific clinical definitions. Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, is a chronic, progressive, and potentially a fatal disease. The symptoms are: drinking excessive amounts frequently, inability to control drinking despite medical, psychological, or social complications, increased tolerance for alcohol, and serious withdrawal symptoms when the person stop drinking.

On the other hand, alcohol abuse is a chronic disease in which the individual refuses to give up drinking even though it causes the person to neglect important family and work obligations. However, abuse, left untreated, can become dependence. The symptoms are: drinking when it is dangerous (drinking and driving), frequent excessive drinking, interpersonal difficulties with family, friends, and coworkers caused by alcohol, and legal problems related to alcohol use.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that in 1998, alcoholism cost society $184.6 billion in lost productivity, medical care, legal services, and cost from traffic accidents. However, these statistics does not address the cost, to society, or the problem of alcohol dependence among the elderly the “hidden population.”

It seems that alcohol abuse among older adults is something few wish to talk about, and a problem for which even fewer seek treatment on their own. Too often, family members are ashamed of the problem and choose not to confront it head on. Health care providers tend not to ask older patients about alcohol use if it wasn’t a problem in their lives in earlier years. This may explain why so many of the alcohol-related admissions to treatment among older adults are for first-time treatment.

Recent studies indicated that between 1.1 and 2.3 million elderly citizens use alcohol to alleviate grief and loneliness. What has been called the “invisible population” is now being discovered and measured. Most individuals tend to restrict their alcohol intake as they advance in age, mainly because of poor health or reduced social activities. However, society has begun to recognize that the incidence of alcoholism among older individuals is on the rise. Despite the numerous studies being done on this subject it is difficult to find reliable statistics on today’s elderly alcoholics. However, some research suggested that as much as 10% to 15% of health problems in this population may be connected to alcohol and substance abuse.

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Does this mean you become a doormat? Absolutely not. Below you may find some helpful information on how to give the alcoholic help. But in no way think that the answer can be found anywhere but truly in your heart. What works for one, may not work for another. What one person wants and can put up with, another may not be able to. Determine how much you are willing to take, then set the boundaries. Talk to your alcoholic husband or spouse and make these boundaries clear.

There are many theories of how to help an alcoholic and of course everyone believes to know the answers of how to best give the alcoholic help. But from experience, I found that the reality of living with an alcoholic is very different than the theory.One approach does not fit all. We have to be comfortable with the choices and decisions we make when giving the alcoholic help. Theories and opinions of others do not necessarily help us fall asleep at night if they go against what we believe or are willing to do in helping the alcoholic spouse or husband. In fact, these theories and opinions can be detrimental if they are given as absolutes, or if they judge or victimize the person trying to help the alcoholic husband or spouse.

The following are some suggestions I found helpful from people who have struggled with an alcoholic husband or spouse. Like myself, not everyone can be thrown into the codependent or enabler category simply because they refuse to give up or leave the alcoholic.

I believe that understanding the dynamics underlying the alcoholic behavior will help the family or friends support and challenge the alcoholic to move on to a better life.

There are two aspects of change necessary for the alcoholic husband or alcoholic spouse:

1) There must be a desire to change.

2) There must be a belief that the change will positively impact their life.

1) The desire to change includes…

– A focus on the positives of the person struggling with alcohol. Why? Because the alcoholic already knows their life is a mess. What they don’t know is if they have the ability to climb out of this mess.

– An improved self-confidence, as self-esteem is an issue here. The alcoholic husband or spouse doubts their ability to handle life situations. If they doubt they can survive the stress of life without their crutch (alcohol), then they are not going to give it up and will be resistant to any alcoholic help you may try to give.

– Moving away from dwelling on negative consequences of drinking. We often like to overemphasize the negative consequences the alcoholic husband or spouse is going to experience if they continue using alcohol. We throw statements at them like: “You are going to end up in jail” or “You are destroying your body”. They already know this. What they don’t know is if they have the inner capabilities to avoid these negative consequences.

An important point here is that the alcoholic compensates for their feelings of inadequacy, fear and helplessness by drinking. To constantly remind them of the negative consequences does not find a solution or way for them to regain control of their fear and helplessness in a healthy manner. You may wonder how destroying their life even more with alcohol helps them regain control? Here it is: Alcohol use is often comforting in a sense that using is predictable and consistent. What? No matter what is going on in life, the alcoholic spouse or husband knows they can assert their “will” or control through their use of alcohol. It’s their perception. They may not like the pain alcohol causes them, but at least they know what to expect. They are miserable, but without alcohol they would not know how to cope. The fear of the unknown is greater than the pain of drinking.

Self-esteem may be confused with sobriety. The alcoholic husband or spouse may not regain an instant positive self-image simply by becoming sober. Self-esteem needs to be associated with more than particular actions. Otherwise a belief occurs that if I do such and such then I am a good person and I will remain sober. This can get the alcoholic in trouble if they do the proper actions and don’t get the right response (sobriety). Instead, start emphasizing that personal worth is present when the alcoholic believes it is because they are alive and have every capability to thrive and succeed.

2) The belief that the change will positively impact their life includes:

– Proper support and peer groups. This is important that support is present. Remember we all rise or fall to the expectation of our peers. If someone using alcohol does not seem to be changing for the better, I’ll bet it is because they do not see any significant personal life benefits or improvement.

This goes to their perception of what life improvement means, but it also has to do with realistic life situations. Are the alcoholic’s current goals and values in line with what they want their life to be about? If not, they need to be revisited. Do they need to look for better employment? Change the crowd they hang out with? Often we become concerned when someone wants to drop out of school or change jobs. Make sure the motive is good, but find out what they really desire and value in life. Maybe they are telling you they have a better idea and path for their life. Explore the options and motivations for what the alcoholic wants their life to be about.

– Giving dignity to the alcoholic spouse or husband by allowing them to own their problem. We sometimes assume that someone who overuses alcohol is incompetent or unable to decide for themselves what options they need. They know. They are just too unsure of themselves and afraid to act on these options. Think about it, if they currently use alcohol they are already telling you they are not happy with current life situations. Help them find and explore the right ones.

– Understanding the alcoholics immediate needs. Whatever the alcoholic believes is impairing their life situation needs to be explored. I have made the mistake of trying to motivate change in someone while ignoring the fact that they have nowhere to live and not enough money to eat on. Be practical and realistic with how you help. Don’t just throw out ideas. Set practical goals for the specific needs of the individual.

So What can We do To Give The Alcoholic Help?

– We must empower the individual struggling with alcohol. We do this by taking away all the excuses the alcoholic spouse or husband may have to why they cannot stop drinking. As we have seen, the alcoholic will have many of these excuses. But, the bottom line is that they do not believe they have the necessary personal resources to overcome their drinking.

– Self-confidence is the key. Find and emphasize the alcoholics talents. I do not believe someone who struggles with alcohol is weak willed or spiritually deprived. Their wills have taken them places no one else would want to go. If they wanted to drink they found a way to do it. Use this strength to re-focus them and give the alcoholic help.

– Their spirituality is normally quit strong inside them. They are searching for something, a meaning. Help the alcoholic develop and find this meaning. Victor Frankl wrote that if you give a person purpose and meaning, they will find a way through anything no matter how hopeless it seems. Even atheists believe in something, even if it is life itself.

– For every choice to use alcohol, there is an alternative choice also available. The alcoholic husband or spouse may have forgotten this part. The alternative choice will most likely impact the problem more directly to resolve it and not further its existence. Fear may enter here, for it is scary to take on responsibility. The alcoholic spouse or husband may have avoided responsibility like the plague. But when they finally realize that their control comes from responsible choices, they are more willing to attempt it. The key is when they can see how choosing the responsible choice will positively impact their life situation. When life situations can’t be seen as improving, change will be hard fought.

– No one truly enjoys their drinking behavior. They don’t drink because they “like it”. Think back to the first few times you drank. The taste was awful and it most likely made you sick. No one I have ever encountered formed their desire to use after the first drink. It took some work.

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The human brain is made up of about 100 billion nerve cells (also known as neurons). Everything that we think, feel or do is the result of electrical signals passing back and forth between neurons. These electrical signals require the help of chemicals called neurotransmitters in order to pass from neuron to neuron. Scientists have identified around 60 different neurotransmitters so far and tell us that there are probably many more yet to be identified.

Different neurotransmitters have different effects in the brain. For example, serotonin is connected with mood. People suffering from clinical depression tend to have a shortage of serotonin in their brains, and medications like Prozac can help to alleviate depression by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain. Endorphins are a class of neurotransmitters which act as the brain’s natural painkillers.

Electrical signals in the brain are transmitted in the following manner: The neuron which is sending the electrical signal releases a neurotransmitter, and the neuron which is receiving the electrical signal accepts the neurotransmitter at a site which is called a receptor. When the neurotransmitter from the first neuron chemically binds to the receptor of the second neuron the electrical signal is transmitted. Neurotransmitters and receptors work like locks and keys: there is at least one different receptor for each different neurotransmitter. For example, an endorphin receptor can only be triggered by and endorphin, a serotonin receptor can only be triggered by serotonin, and so on. Different neurons have different receptors. Some neurons will only be triggered by serotonin, some only by an endorphin, and so on for all the different neurotransmitters.

Okay–now what does all of this have to do with alcohol?

Every mood altering substance from heroin to coffee has an effect on the neurotransmitter system of the brain. Some psychoactive drugs affect only one specific neurotransmitter system, whereas others affect many. Morphine, for example, mimics the neurotransmitter beta-endorphin–a natural painkiller found in the brain. Morphine is shaped like beta-endorphin and binds to the beta-endorphin receptors thus acting as a painkiller and also giving rise to feelings of pleasure. Caffeine is shaped like Adenosine and acts on the adenosine receptors. Alcohol on the other hand affects many different neurotransmitters, not just one, Why is this?

Morphine and caffeine are both large molecules. Neurotransmitters are also large molecules. Morphine and caffeine have the effects which they do because of their similarity in shape to neurotransmitters which occur naturally in the brain. Alcohol on the other hand is a quite small molecule. Alcohol does not mimic a neurotransmitter. So then how does alcohol affect neurotransmitters?

Alcohol is a fat soluble molecule. Fats (called lipids) are a major component of all cell membranes, including the cell membranes of neurons. Alcohol enters the cell membranes of neurons and changes their properties. Receptors are located on cell membranes and this means that receptor properties are altered by the presence of alcohol. Cell membranes also control the release of neurotransmitters and this means that the release of neurotransmitters is also affected by the presence of alcohol.

The effects of alcohol on receptors and neurotransmitters have been well documented for several neurotransmitters and their corresponding receptors. These effects are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1: Alcohol’s Effect on Neurotransmitters and Receptors

Glutamate
Alcohol inhibits glutamate receptor function
This causes muscular relaxation, discoordination, slurred speech, staggering, memory disruption, and blackouts
Ether and chloroform have similar effects on the glutamate system

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
Alcohol enhances GABA receptor function
This causes feelings of calm, anxiety-reduction and sleep
Valium has a similar effect on the GABA system

Dopamine
Alcohol raises dopamine levels
This leads to excitement and stimulation
Cocaine and amphetamine have similar effects on the dopamine system

Endorphins
Alcohol raises endorphin levels
This kills pain and leads to an endorphin “high”
Morphine and heroin have similar effects on the endorphin system

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The technological resources associated with a business need to be constantly maintained. This includes creating accessibility, developing security, maintaining operation, and updating technology. Students can learn to perform these main functions inside higher educational training opportunities. Several areas of training are available and students can choose programs that best suit their career goal needs. An accredited education can be obtained when students complete a few necessary steps.

Training begins by researching what available degree programs can be completed. Students may have a high interest in information technology but specialization areas could make their career goals even more accessible. Students can enter training programs in areas that include:

Computer Information Science
Computer Information Systems
Information Security
Information Systems
Each of these areas falls under the category of information technology. Educational programs in information technology train students to understand the procedures performed to troubleshoot problem areas and evaluate the technological needs of a business. Computer information science programs give students the skills needed to correctly maintain computer networks and their databases. Computer information science focuses on the ability to develop networks and maintain a smoothly running environment for computer applications. Information security centers on teaching students to operate systems and perform any needed procedures to fix security breaches. Inside information systems training students are exposed to the skills needed to work with databases, network systems, and applications in order to keep them properly working.

Once students understand their available training options they can enter the second step, which is completing programs. This is the most important step because careers cannot be entered without a degree. Most areas offer several degree training opportunities. Schools offer programs from the associate’s to doctorate’s degree level. Career options will be directly affected by which degree level students decide to complete. Undergraduate programs offer students an overview of the industry with students starting to obtain advanced training at the end of bachelor’s degree programs. Training at the graduate degree level gives students a wider skill set. Courses that are taken inside information technology degree programs may include:

*Introduction to Information Technology

The history and the fast paced growth of the industry are studied. Students learn what industries use information technology and what tasks are conducted inside today’s professional workplace.

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Award-winning Holiday Inn Express Redditch hotel in the UK near NEC, Birmingham, Bromsgrove and Solihull is within a 20-minute drive of Birmingham’s NEC, NIA and LG Arena.

The child friendly hotel’s close proximity to the M42/M40/M5/M6 motorways provides easy access to tourist attractions such as Cadbury World, Warwick Castle, National Sea-life Centre, Thomas Land and Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon.

The fully air-conditioned 100 bedroom dog friendly hotel near NEC and Stratford-upon-Avon is adjacent to the Redditch Train Station on the Birmingham ‘New Street’ Service, allowing you to spend less time in traffic and more time doing what you came to do. Complimentary on-site car parking is available to all guests and delegates.

Whether you are coming to the West Midlands on business, leisure or to attend a special event in Redditch, Birmimgham NEC, NIA, LG Arena or surrounding area such as Cheltenham races, your room is your personal retreat. You will have room to work, relax and make the most of your stay. Amenities such as air-conditioning, high speed Wi-Fi Internet access throughout and work desk means you stay connected with your office, family or friends at all times.

Relax in the comfort of our fully licensed bar/lounge and when it is time to eat, choose from our complimentary Buffet Breakfast with a selection of your hot favourites or one of our exceptional freshly prepared meals served in the hotel’s stylish GR Restaurant each evening.

This hotel in Redditch has two air-conditioned meeting rooms with natural daylight for 2-50 delegates with High-Speed Wi-Fi / Wired Internet Access and complimentary Tea/Coffee facilities and mineral water. A selection of buffet or sandwich Conference lunches are available on request. Room hire rates start from as low as ?100 or Day Delegate rates from just ?26 per person per day including the meeting room for the day, unlimited Tea/Coffee, Biscuits and a 2-course Buffet Luncheon.

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Fast Lane specialises in tailoring courses and curricula to suit your company’s requirements and objectives, whilst taking into consideration the participant’s knowledge and skills.

Why would your company opt for a Fast Lane bespoke, closed training course?

Reduced Cost – travel and hotel costs are eliminated
Less Disruption to your business – courses are scheduled around your commitments and other requirements
More Effective – delegates benefit from a course tailored to meet your exact objectives and increases the business impact of the training. This means delegates can utilise their new skills confidently and on immediate return to the workplace
Less Time Spent Training – by improving the focus and relevance for delegates, less time is spent on areas outside their skill requirement
As your trusted education partner we can build an understanding of the education delivery solution that will provide the knowledge empowerment required for your business. Our advice will also be aligned with vendor product development understanding to give your training longevity and foresight.

Classes can focus on special subjects that are critical to your company or incorporate examples that are specifically related to your industry.

Whether it’s a standard authorised vendor course, specialised technology training, or a workshop designed for your company, our experts can conduct every type of training session on site at your company’s premises or a closed course at a location of your choice.

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Video has been a boon for the Internet marketer, they can come face to face with their customers and this gives them instant validation in the viewer’s eyes, they are truly real people and they do care about them. Why would they not trust in them and their offer? Alas this emotion only lasts while the video is rolling, once they are returned to their normal life, sat back in front of a computer screen their mind starts to wander and they lose interest in your message.

All they had to do was click on your link.

Josh had like all of his marketing friends been frustrated by this problem. They knew there were thousands of people watching their videos, but once the video stopped and all of their pop ups, flying arrows and voice prompts had finished the numbers making the call to action click were woeful.

How could you have them complete a squeeze page, a PayPal button or a shopping cart whilst keeping the viewer inside your world and your video?

This was the marketer’s problem of 2009 and Josh was not one to live with a problem. Thus he went into hiding and called in his programming experts to settle this matter once and for ever.

However many had tried before and this had defeated many clever and cunning programmers over the years and it would have remained in this state had it not met its match in a rather unique Internet Marketer called Josh Bartlett.

Clearly finding a solution to a problem that had defeated those that had come before and the fact that the audience were getting used to watching videos with no strings attached. Josh knew it would not be easy to find a technical solution quickly that would encourage a change in the viewers behavior and solve the original problem.

However with focus and perseverance comes success and not only did he solve this problem for himself, his fellow marketers were amazed by the quality and professionalism of the solution, this was no sticky tape or overly complicated process that would hinder its use.

You know you have a great solution when you make people like Mike Filsaime gush and heap praise on the creator.

Josh Bartlett received high praise not just from Mr Filsaime but many more of his peers and decided it was time to let the marketing world step up a level and have his solution to the problem that was holding video marketing back from its true potential.

Learn more on Presentation applications or Presentation software.

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