Untitled Document

November is Alcohol Awareness Month

November is designated Alcohol Awareness Month. In order to recognize the serious problem of Alcohol Abuse in our country, The National Drug Unit is making great efforts to raise the awareness. If you think you have a drinking problem chances are you do. If you have tried to stop or cut down chances are you have a problem. If friends or family have told you they think you have a problem chances are you do.

National Drug Unit would like persons who have any concerns about their drinking or a loved one to take the following test:

Worried about a Friend or Family Member?

How can I recognize signs of an Alcohol Problem in someone I care about?

Please check all that apply:

Drinking to calm nerves, forgot worries, or boost a sad mood
Guilt about drinking
Unsuccessful attempts to cut down/stop drinking
Lying about or hiding drinking habits
Causing harm to oneself or someone else as a results of drinking
Needing to drink increasingly greater amounts in order to achieve desired affect
Feeling irritable, resentful or unreasonable when not drinking
Medical, social, family or financial problems caused by drinking
Spending a great deal of time getting alcohol and drinking alcohol
Drinking in risky situations such as before driving or before engaging in unwanted/ unprotected sex

If you agree with the points above, please consider talking with a member of the National Drug Unit.

What to do if you think a friend or family member may have an alcohol problem:

Let your friend or family member know that risky drinking can lead to more severe alcohol dependence (alcoholism), as well as injuries and unwanted/unprotected sex.
Seek out resources in your local community such as The National Drug Unit, A.A meetings, Drug Support Group, therapists, pastors, doctors, talk to people who are knowledgeable about alcohol problems. Don’t let pride or fear block your efforts to get help for yourself or family member.
Use the resources. Do what you can to encourage your friend or family member to get help, but remember the only person you can change is yourself. Use the resources to help yourself.
Don’t make excuses for the drinker. Family member often try to protect a loved one from the consequences of his or her drinking by making excuses to others. Making excuses allows your loved one to avoid changing for the better.
Choose a good time to talk with the person who has a drinking problem, such as shortly after an alcohol-related problem has occurred. Choose a time when she or he is sober, when both of you are calm and when you can speak privately.
Be specific. Tell the friend or family member you are concerned about his or her drinking and want to be supportive in getting help for them. Back up your concerns with examples of the ways in which his or hers drinking has caused problems for both of you, including the most resent incident.
Seek out the people and resources that can support you. Keep in mind you are not alone. There is hope and practical help available in the community.

National Drug Unit:

South Caicos: 946 3607

Providenciales: Downtown - Sam’s Building 1649... ext 82500

Grand Turk ext 50502