by Dr. Ari Novick
May 24, 2012
People with drug and alcohol related problems would need to attend substance abuse awareness classes. Courses either have been mandated by the court system after the individual has ended up with a citation, or they are perfect for the education and recovery of those struggling with addictions. Some people enjoy the format that Alcoholics Anonymous presents, while others would like a private experience. For those that would like anonymity, like teachers, parents, teens or high-profile professionals, online courses are extremely beneficial. The online classes meet most standards that may be prescribed by courts, so will often be approved. These requirements range from offenses related to drugs, such as a minor being found in possession of drugs or alcohol and their consumption, to awareness classes that may be recommended for probation and parole. Individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol face many problems. The biggest obstacle to overcome is getting the abuser to admit he or she has a problem. Many addicts will lie or make excuses to cover up the addiction. However, if the addiction causes violence, child endangerment or physical abuse, it must be confronted. An example comes to mind from the national news story a few years ago when a mother and her kids were killed in a car accident while she was driving the wrong way on the freeway after a weekend of camping. She was later found to have alcohol and drugs in her body. Her husband said he had no idea she was using and she must have been hiding it from the family. One finds that difficult to believe. Maybe there were pride or embarrassment issues, so that he didn’t want to face taking the problem public. Online classes would have helped to get the conversation going in a quiet, safe, private and low-cost atmosphere before things escalated so out-of-control.
Those with serious addictions who are seeking help with drugs and alcohol often go to rehabilitation centers for help. Online classes try to cater to addicts before the situation escalates to that level. They are can be like preventative maintenance for parents who want to educate their children, corporations who want to keep a sober workforce and for those struggling and needing some additional support. Many want convenience and anonymity as they struggle to recover from these addictions. Online sources are also a good place to find help for relapse prevention. Licensed professional therapists are available during working hours to answer any questions the family or addict might have.
The online classes have many benefits. They are affordable and flexible as they can be taken at any time. They provide a variety of class lengths and one doesn’t have to spend the extra time and money to drive to a distant location for support and instruction. The online lessons also ensure confidentiality, as no one else needs to know that an individual is attending the classes. As long as you get them pre-approved, they can be used to fulfill court mandates when one has already been charged for breaking the law.
by Dr. Ari Novick
May 21, 2012
It is important for children to be educated about alcohol abuse as well as other controlled substances so that they may be in a position to make the right and safe decisions in life. Communication and open discussion is key to preventing teens from going down an alcohol or drug using path. When teens feel comfortable coming to their parents for advice on how to deflect the peer pressure, they are most successful at not getting involved with that group of kids or venturing down that path. Alcohol and drug awareness classes may be recommended by a court or parent because of drug-related offenses such as minor-in-possession of alcohol, alcohol consumption by a minor, possession of controlled or banned substance, or possession of drug related paraphernalia. Online mip classes are especially helpful for minors who cannot afford to go to traditional classes, or for the convenience of not having to drive across town to attend a class, or for those who may not feel comfortable with attending a public class.
Online drug abuse classes for minors-in-possession are structured in a similar way as traditional classes and the content that is delivered is rather similar. The only difference is that in the online classes, the student experiences the entire lecture in a virtual form through the internet, while in the traditional setting, the student will have to be physically present in class. In addition, the classes are designed in such a manner that enables each student to learn at his/her own pace in order to ensure that maximum benefit is derived from the classes. Therefore, another benefit is that the students can drop-in and out of the classes at their own pace and based on their busy schedules, not the schedule mandated by the traditional classroom setting. During drug abuse classes, participants are taken through the benefits of leading a drug and alcohol free life, and the consequences of addiction or substance abuse are clearly enumerated for them. Often times, kids will get involved with substance abuse because they don’t realize the repercussions of what it can do to your health and overall life. When the participants are well informed about such consequences, they will be in a better position to make a safe decision. Being in possession of knowledge concerning the negative outcomes of an action empowers one to prevent such actions. Another focus of drug abuse classes for minors-in-possession is on how the participants can develop into responsible individuals in the society. The participants receive training on how to lead fulfilled and comfortable lives.
These private courses can prove to be very helpful towards realizing an effective means of attaining sobriety and teaching kids to “just say no”. With education, comes power. A minor-in-possession conviction on your record is a serious punishment and wake-up call for both the parents and teens. However, it doesn’t have to scar you for the rest of your life. Learning skills and techniques to get the teen back on the right path is the foremost priority. Taking online courses will benefit not only the teen, but the family as well.
by Dr. Ari Novick
May 17, 2012
Introduction Statistics show that teenagers 15-20 years of age are more likely than anyone else to drive under the influence of alcohol, according to the Edgar Snyder website. As the Snyder website further points out, about 1,900 people under the age of 21 die per year in automobile accidents. Perhaps the main reason teenagers drink and drive is because they believe they are invincible. In spite of all the public service advertisements they have seen on TV or the Internet, or heard on the radio, for some reason they believe it does not apply to them. However, according to FirstEagle.com, teenage boys with a 0.5 percent alcohol level are 18 times as likely as their non-drinking peers to be involved in an automobile accident. If one were to place a teenaged girl behind the wheel of the same car, she becomes 54 times as likely to become involved in such a crash, given the same blood alcohol content levels.
Worst Holiday for Teen DUI's New Year's Eve is by far the worst holiday possible for drinking and driving, according to a survey attributed to Liberty Mutual Insurance and Students Against Drunk Driving, as cited by the Norristown Patch. Ten percent of drivers under age 20 have driven under the influence after a New Year's Eve event, according to the 2011 study. Consequences As a teen drunk driver, a police officer may confiscate your license immediately. Your license may be suspended for a year or more, depending on the state in which the incident occurred. In addition, a drunk driving charge can remain on your record for ten years or more. In turn, this could make attaining a job or an apartment very difficult as potential employers and/or landlords see you as being a basically irresponsible person. Moreover, you could lose valued friendships with peers, and you could be discharged from a job that pays quite well. In addition, your high school may expel you, which could create problems for you attempting to enter college. Or, if you are already in college, you could face disciplinary action from the dean of your university, up to and including dismissal. In addition, according to the Stanford Hospital website, you place yourself at risk for a life-altering brain injury. Teenagers who drink and drive risk permanent brain damage because of the high chance of getting into a car accident.
Costs Depending on the state in which you live, the fines themselves can rise as high as $400 or more. In almost all cases, you will have to pay a fee for the impoundment and/or towing of your vehicle--most likely another $600 or more. Attorney fees and court costs can run well over $2,000. Moreover, you could severely strain the relationship between yourself and your parents as their insurance costs increase another $6,000 or more. Prevention Parents, teachers and peers can all take part in preventing this tragedy from continuing to unfold. Educators, for example, can invite police officers to schools and colleges who can explain in graphic detail what can happen to people--especially under age 21--who drink and drive. They can speak of how it can affect their long term chances of success in life. They can show films from YouTube and other video sources that show the ramifications of drunk or drugged driving at any age. Asking a person who has lost a loved one, or lost the ability to walk due to an alcohol-related accident can not only be shocking, but also be life changing. Parents can help not only by setting boundaries, but also a good example. If you are seen driving after having a glass of wine or a beer, your child will think that that practice is acceptable, regardless of what you say, or the rules you impose on his driving. That is why it is important to ensure that your example matches your precept.
by Dr. Ari Novick
May 14, 2012
Perhaps you or someone you know thinks they can drive just fine under the influence of alcohol. Often times, people feel that they can handle a drink or two without any repercussions. They rationalize that they are a large person, or have had a meal, or are just able to control the affects of the alcohol. This is a risky attitude, as alcohol does and will impair your ability to drive.
A current fact is that car accidents are the number one cause of death in people under the age of 24. Alcohol contributes to 40% of these accidents. By driving under the influence, you are not only putting yourself in danger, but those around you as well.
Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows messages to the brain. This stalls your ability to react quickly. It is common knowledge that reaction time plays a big role when safely operating a motor vehicle. Also, alcohol impairs your depth perception, which is what causes the staggering movement when you drink. If you're planning on drinking and driving, it is worth being fully aware of how a DUI offense will affect your life and those around you.
Could you live with yourself if you killed someone by accident? It's not worth the risk. Of course, this would dramatically alter your life, as you could experience jail time. However, even if you don't hurt anyone and are caught drinking and driving underage, you won't believe how a DUI offense will affect your life dramatically.
First of all, you'll have your driver's license taken away from anywhere between three months to three years. This can make getting to a job or going to college unnecessarily difficult. Then, to get your license back you'll have to pay a steep fee. If the police so choose, they can also impound your car, with more fees to pay. This is on top of the fines you may be forced to pay which are anywhere from $100 to $25,000, depending on the city and state you are cited in. Sometimes you can even be charged for every penny related to arraigning your charges.
Then there are attorney's fees to consider which will be be anywhere from $500 on up. Imagine how a DUI offense will affect your life by putting you in debt and damaging your credit. You'll have a hard time getting into an apartment or house, getting student loans, and lose all of your extra spending money.
Depending on the state you live in, you could be placed in jail anywhere from two days to a whole year and/or put on probation from three to five years! If you really want to imagine how a DUI offense will affect your life long-term, think about trying to find a job with a felony on your record. In this economy, it’s difficult enough to find work with a perfect record. This detrimental mark will definitely push you down the list as a desirable new hire.
If you get caught drinking and driving underage, you'll lose your car and license, could face jail time, can be fined an exponential amount, and you could even have to live with a criminal record, making it hard to find a steady job. Is it really worth it? Take a cab. Knowing how a DUI offense will affect your life should make you think twice before taking the wheel while under the influence.
by Dr. Ari Novick
May 9, 2012
Are you currently in a situation where you are worried about someone you are living with because you think that they might be exhibiting signs of alcoholism? If so, then you are probably wondering where you go in order to get help in figuring out what has lead them to this low point in their life and what you can do to get them back on their feet. But first, it is important to understand and be able to recognize some telling signs that a person you are living with might have problems with alcohol. One of the most common signs that somebody in your household may be experiencing a problem with alcohol is that they will often make efforts to hide their drinking habits. This often happens as a result of them feeling ashamed about the amount that they drink or the way that they act when they drink. So if you have found stored liquor bottles around the home or if your loved one seems to disappear for quite some time before showing back up drunk, then there is a good chance that they are having a problem with alcohol. In addition, people in your household who consistently exclaim that they need a drink when they are emotionally stressed out or in a bad mood tend to have problems with alcoholism as well. After all, while it is common to drink as a result of emotional distress every so often, if it becomes a regular occurrence, then this can turn into a reliance on alcohol, which leads to a lot of problems in the household. Another telltale sign to watch out for is a family member who consistently drinks too much, to the point that they black out or pass out. This can be extremely dangerous and is a sure sign of a drinking problem if it happens even remotely often. Overall, drinking problems can lead to a lot of emotional distress and turmoil in any family. People who have problems with alcoholism can have a difficult time being a role model for their children or even being a good spouse, which can easily result in marriage trouble and potentially divorce down the road, if not treated. This is why, if you know someone in your family who has a drinking problem, it is important to calmly and respectfully confront them about it. Explain to them how their alcoholism has been affecting the family or your relationship and how you would like to see them act themselves and be happy again. Remember, the first step to getting help, is getting them to see and admit that they even have a problem in the first place. Once you have accomplished this, then you can look into the possibility of getting them enrolled in some helpful online alcohol classes as a way of getting on the road to recovery. These are ideal because they offer the same experience as a support group, but can be done online in the comfort of one’s own home. They are perfect for an individual who complains of a tight schedule, or is initially uncomfortable about a live group setting. Overall, these online classes are a convenient and educational way to get back on the right path for a healthier, happier life.
by Dr. Ari Novick
May 7, 2012
An addiction to drugs or alcohol is a serious disease. If not properly treated, such an addiction could prove life threatening. It is important for the friends and family to be able to identify the signs that things have gone too far. For those that are not familiar with the common signs of an addiction disorder, the following is a brief overview of the most prevalent ones. Overall mood and personality changes will occur and not for the better. Mood swings can range from mania to depression to pure lethargy. The person simply is no longer behaving like him/herself. There will be clear behavioral signs which are indicative of an addiction. At the workplace, an individual's performance could degrade significantly. Chronic lateness or absences are commonplace. Arguments and problems with co-workers and supervisors occur with great frequency. At home, the addict can become very neglectful of personal hygiene and responsibilities. Worse yet, parents will become neglectful of their children and fail to provide proper care. Excess borrowing or even stealing money from others would be another significant sign a person requires funds to cover drug related expenses. Addicts will begin to withdraw socially as they begin to invest more and more of their time using. They will also spend an inordinate amount of time sleeping due to fatigue related to using or "crashing" after use. In addition to the behavioral changes, there will be physical symptoms that are common with drug or alcohol issues. While there may be different physical problems that can arise depending upon the substance of choice, the common thread would be the very unhealthy nature of the developing traits. For example, infections of the skin and puncture marks would be indicative of heroin or other IV drug use. Problems with the nose such as excessive running, nose bleeds, throat issues, and other nasal problems would be signs of snorting drugs along the lines of cocaine, meth, and heroin. Smokable drugs can cause respiratory problems and also the distinct smell of the drugs may linger on the person's clothing. Furthermore, redness of the eyes and the constriction of the pupils are other signs of being under the influence. Rapid eye movement could be another indication as would long, blank stares displaying being unaware of one's condition or surroundings. Slurred speech, excessive fatigue and drowsiness to the point of passing out, and a lack of physical coordination such as a lack of motor skills are also signs of being impaired due to substance abuse. Incoherent speech or droning rambling dialogues displaying a disconnection from reality would likely be based on drug or alcohol use. If you come across any drug paraphernalia it is best not to be in denial about their purpose. If someone has possession of such items then they are almost positively intended as a way of administering a drug of choice. When you begin to notice one or more of these symptoms, you have good cause for alarm. These symptoms are serious warning signs that a person is suffering from a drug or alcohol related problem. The first step on the road to recovery would be to sign-up for alcohol drug classes online. These classes provide both the addict and his family easy, private access to a therapist and education for rehabilitation. They can be taken on an ongoing basis to help maintain a “clean” life.
by Dr. Ari Novick
May 2, 2012
Trying to break the habit of an alcohol and substance addiction is one of the most difficult challenges to overcome. Attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings has proven to be an extremely successful route for many people. However, for those who are ready to take the first step towards sobriety, but do not want to do in a group atmosphere, online alcohol and drug classes are the perfect solution.
Alcohol and drug courses online provide lessons on what the indulgence is doing to your health, techniques to redirect the desire for alcohol or drugs, stress management skills, and also give you the ability to contact a licensed professional on the phone at any time. Classes vary in length from 4 hours to the longest and most advanced class at 24 hours of lessons. The student can drop in and out of the lessons at his or her convenience day or night. Classes are strictly private and confidential, but support groups are also available for those students who are ready to reach out to others for help. If you start out with a short class, you can add another one when you are done to keep the support going and help you to maintain sobriety.
If you have run into trouble with the law by getting a DUI or other alcohol/drug related offenses, the court often approves these online classes as part of your restitution and rehabilitation. The student simply reads through the course and has to pass tests along the way. Usually a 70% overall will give you a passing grade. A certificate of completion is awarded at the end of the course for you to give to the courts as proof that the course has been taken.
Taking these classes before things escalate to a legal level is the best tactic. Also, for anyone with an alcoholic relative, taking this class is a good idea. Families can sit together in front of the computer to learn the lessons. Abuse has a genetic component, and understanding the environmental factors that lead to abuse can prevent future tragedies. The lessons are interesting and informative. Students taking the classes will hear stories of people who have suffered consequences due to drug use, losing their spouse, relatives, and children due to abuse problems. These are an eye-opening look at the toll that abuse can take on a person’s life and how their addiction affects everyone else in their life. They are generally low-cost and can be taken from the comfort of your home from any state. Just type in, for example, Delaware alcohol and drug awareness classes online and you will find the information you need to get started.
Online classes are an informative and supportive tool for an individual to use to maintain their sobriety. At the touch of a button, you are online and can seek the help you need immediately!
by Dr. Ari Novick
April 30, 2012
Education can be considered one of the most essential components of alcohol prevention and rehabilitation. With the introduction of online alcohol abuse classes, one can receive the help of a professional in the comfort and privacy of their own home. This is a convenient way of starting all over again without the pressure of having to physically get to a traditional classroom and face others or face the counselor personally. Specifically, you can sit at your computer and look up Connecticut alcohol awareness classes, or from any of the 50 states and find one at your fingertips. For individuals who are well-known or prominent in the community, this aspect can be a huge benefit as there is absolutely no public exposure and all information is kept completely confidential. Having a positive, secure learning environment is crucial for the attendee to be mentally involved and absorb the information.
Online alcohol awareness classes aim to provide basic information regarding alcohol and what leads to alcohol addiction. These classes were specifically designed to teach important facts about alcoholism such as the definition of alcohol, alcohol addiction, cause of addiction, and ways to prevent this problem. While the average professional adult might feel that this is simplistic or obvious, having this information reiterated by a lensed professional often helps to establish the significance. Since classes are online, they are perfect for busy people as they can be taken at any time of the day or night. One can choose the length of class that best suits him, like 10 hour alcohol awareness classes.
For most people, taking online alcohol awareness classes can be a life changing move. Since alcohol drinkers are prone to anger and have the tendency to cause physical and verbal abuse, classes serve as an eye opener for them to realize what they're doing and how they’re possibly treating others. Skills are taught to help prevent divorce, avoid custody battles and control their stress and anger in healthy ways other than drinking. These classes work as a mirror which lets the individual see what might happen if they won't put an end to their misbehavior. This is an extremely beneficial path to take to get one’s family life back on track. Finally, online alcohol awareness classes aim to provide long term benefits for those who wish to take them. A professional therapist, as well as the guidance of the classes, are available 24/7 for those who feel that they need help immediately at any time of the day or night. These classes were not designed to be a quick fix, or band-aid, but can and should be taken as continuing education and support on an ongoing basis.
by Dr. Ari Novick
April 27, 2012
A lot of teenagers choose to experiment with drugs either because they want to be cool or someone else is pressuring them to do so. If you want to protect your teen from making the wrong choices then you need to give them an education so they know what the consequence of use are. Online Minor in Posession Classes are available in different hour time slots, 8-24. These classes are going to cover everything about drugs and what effects they have on other people along with the drug user. The 8 hour class covers a lot but the 24 hour class goes in-depth more than all the others. There are a lot of good facts and solid information given with these classes and they can be taken in the comfort of home. It's something a teenager could really use, since most high schools don't spend enough time educating their students about drugs.
by Dr. Ari Novick
April 26, 2012
The biggest problem with a Drug Awareness Classes is that those who really need it won't go to it. Being a drug addict myself, I understand how difficult it is to see your problem. Often the drugs and alcohol are perceived as the only answer to all of the difficulties in your life. You can't see that it is this use of drugs and alcohol that is causing many of the problems, and magnifying those that may have nothing to do with the abuse. It is an unfortunate contradiction in the nature of addiction: that which you believe is helping is actually hurting. So when you feel that your life is becoming too difficult you go to the thing that is causing life to be so difficult. Therefore, a drug awareness class doesn't seem like a realistic solution. It seems like a waste of time. Time that you could be spending feeling better in the bar.
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