Our battle against the disease of alcoholism is an uphill battle. With the many good programs, support groups and prevention services, the statistics are still staggering:
- About 14 million people in the US are addicted to alcohol and millions of others who display symptoms of abuse.
- Over 17, 000 traffic fatalities attributed to alcohol-related accidents each year.
- The 4th leading cause of death among people between 10 and 24 is alcohol abuse.
Those who are on the front lines of this battle are fighting against a big foe, yet freedom from addiction is passed on one person at a time to another person. Denial is not broken by confrontation, by reasoning, by the latest theory or by force, it is broken through the warmth of one human being who cares for the soul of the individual who is suffering. If you have struggled with an addiction, reflect on the moment that the chains of your addiction were broken, and you will find someone nearby who was caring for you. It may have been a moment of being understood, and authentic “How are you?”, or a friendly smile. Love is the only way to wake another out of the slumber of addiction.
Learn the latest techniques and theories, yet let it all be motivated by a caring heart. We fight this battle against addiction one person at a time. As a professional or a friend, work from your heart with the next person that is suffering, and we will together battle this great American epidemic.
HollyKem & Dean Sunseri are partners in life and their life work is to help the people who are imprisoned by the bondage of addiction. They are the authors of A Roadmap to the Soul. Their dynamic style has helped professionals move into the heart of addiction with greater clarity and compassion, resulting in a higher quality of care. For more information, please visit www.ihaveavoice.com or call 225-290-7252.