According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, about 1 in every 12 adults suffers from alcohol abuse or dependence in the United States. Sadly, this statistic affects over 7 million children who live in homes where at least one parent is a problem drinker. To be clear, an alcohol abuser is generally defined as someone who seeks a drink compulsively and chronically uses it even though it is causing havoc to their health and in their personal and work related lives. There are different types of alcoholics, those that fit the stereotype of abusive, out of work and/or on the streets or those who are high-functioning meaning they hold down high level jobs, have families, nice homes and maintain friendships. A great number of alcoholics are in denial that they have a problem. They are able to maintain a healthy weight, exercise daily, manage a career, get places on time clean and sober and keep things looking somewhat together to the outside world. However, years of hiding the problem or having family members cover it up, often catches up. It might take a huge shake up to get the person to finally acknowledge the issue like a run in with the law because of a DUI or a disorderly conduct violation, or a breakdown at work or with personal relationships.
Most people don’t decide to stop drinking overnight. The recovery process is gradual starting with some kind of a wake up call, sometimes an intervention from friends and family and then the acknowledgement that it’s time and motivation to take ownership of the problem. If you recognize yourself as someone who is alcohol dependent and ready to make a personal change or have run into a court mandate, you may be looking for solutions to help you stop the addiction.
The first step is to get support. Tell your friends and family what you are trying to accomplish so they don’t offer you alcohol and are available for you to talk to. Group programs like AA offer encouragement and direction on how to live life alcohol free. Residential rehabilitation facilities are available all over the country.
Alcohol awareness classes either in-person or online fulfill the court mandated portion of legal issues that have arisen. They also help the alcoholic to understand more fully what they are doing to themselves physically and mentally, how it is affecting those around them and supply the techniques to use to help them overcome the abuse.
Online alcohol awareness classes are often the most cost effective and timely solution for court ordered requirements or for fulfilling job related classes for hiring purposes. Specifically, bartenders, truck drivers and school bus drivers are often required to take a class in order to be hired. To know that you are getting what you need out of the online program, look closely for a quality program that is designed by a licensed and practicing mental health provider. A huge benefit of many online programs is that you can get through them more quickly and on your own schedule, so make sure you choose one that is completely self-paced. Finally, confirm that you will receive your Certificate of Completion in time for any deadlines you are under. Keep in mind that if you finish an online class on a Friday night, the Certificate will most likely ship out the following week, not the next day. It’s helpful to choose a company that offers online access to the certificate so you can print it out on your end when you’ve successfully finished the class. Lastly, double-check with the company you are applying at, or your court system to make sure that taking the class online is okay. Keeping all this in mind when doing your research will help you find the online alcohol awareness class that best suits your needs.