Do you know of someone suffering from who is facing issues with alcohol addiction? Are you, yourself, an alcoholic? Do you want to stop but can’t?
Know that you, or anyone else is not alone. Alcohol addiction is extremely prevalent in today's world.
Society is often geared towards drinking, it is a social activity where people come together over drinks, feel empowered and reduce social anxiety. Especially living in China where the alcohol is cheaper, many expats may feel they have been drinking excessively. Some becoming dependant.
Although social drinking is common, and the occasional drink is fine, you may realize it is a problem when you start doing these things:
- Drinking in the morning, often being drunk for long periods of time, or drinking alone.
- Changing what you drink, such as switching from beer to wine because you think it will help you drink less or keep you from getting drunk.
- Feeling extremely guilty after drinking.
- Making excuses for your drinking or doing things to hide your drinking, such as buying alcohol at different stores or with different people.
- Not remembering what you did while you were drinking (constant blackouts).
- Worrying incessantly that you won't get enough alcohol for an evening or weekend.
If you find yourself checking off most of the items on this list, it may be time to look for help.
Alcoholics Anonymous located in Beijing, is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership, it is self-supporting through contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
The primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
Statistics from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism:
- In 2012, 3.3 million deaths, or 5.9% of all global deaths (7.6% for men and 4% for women) were attributable to alcohol consumption.
- Alcohol contributes to over 200 diseases and injury-related health conditions, most notably alcohol dependence, liver cirrhosis, cancers, and injuries. In 2012, alcohol accounted for 5.1 percent of disability adjusted life years worldwide.
- Globally, alcohol misuse is the fifth leading risk factor for premature death and disability, among people between the ages of 15 and 49, it is the first.
Contact: beijingfellows@yahoo.com
Hotlines: English: 152-1003-3757
Russian: 139-1180-9671
