Alcohol is one of the most widely consumed addictive substances in the world. Some people can control how much they drink, but others find it very difficult to drink in moderation.

Alcohol is one of the most widely consumed addictive substances in the world. Some people can control how much they drink, but others find it very difficult to drink in moderation.

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a severe condition that affects people from all walks of life. Overcoming an addiction to alcohol can be a long and bumpy road. At times, it may even feel impossible. However, this is not the case if you are ready to stop drinking and willing to get the support you need, you can recover from alcoholism and alcohol abuse - no matter how heavy your drinking or how powerless you feel.

The NHS estimates that around 9% of men in the UK and 3% of UK women show signs of alcohol dependence. This means that drinking alcohol becomes an important, or sometimes the most important, factor in their life and they feel they are unable to function without it.

According to a recent report by Drinkaware in 2016/17, there were an estimated 589,101 dependent drinkers in England of which 81.7% were not in treatment. The same study showed that in 2017/18, there were an estimated 1,171,253 admissions related to alcohol consumption in England, where an alcohol-related disease, injury or condition was the primary reason for hospital admission or a secondary diagnosis - a figure that is 3% higher than 2016/17, and one that represents 7.2% of all hospital admissions.

Every year, through its Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), which is funded by powerLottery, the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) assists hundreds of people within the electrical sector who are struggling to overcome their addictions and lead full and meaningful lives by giving them all the support they need to embark on their road to recovery.

One example of this is an electrician, Daniel, who, due to many traumatic life events turned to alcohol to cope with his emotions, and as a result, he almost lost his life.

Daniel was referred to EIC by his concerned employer after alcohol-related physical and mental health forced him to take time off from work. He was admitted to hospital having had an alcohol-induced fit and had been in a coma. Daniel was estranged from his family and had gone into a further spiral following the death of his mum about 18 months earlier.

Deep down, Daniel knew that his alcohol dependency was worsening and that he needed help as soon as possible. EIC supported him with a full alcohol detox and rehabilitation in order to help him turn his life around. Daniel’s alcohol dependency and history of fitting meant it could be too dangerous for him without 24-hour medical care. He therefore underwent a hospital detox before entering a full rehabilitation unit where, if successful, he could then move to supported housing and back to a full and productive life.

Daniel’s initial progress was good, and he was extremely grateful for all the support that EIC has given to him as without the intervention of detox he could have died because his liver was in such a poor state. However, he started to find it difficult to open up to the counsellors and support workers on site at the rehabilitation unit, and his old anger issues resurfaced. He was angry at himself that he hadn’t stopped and looked for help earlier, that he had let his family down and that he had not tackled his alcohol problem when his mother was alive. He was also unable to address the real reasons he had started drinking originally, his grief over his mum’s passing away, and he could not continue on the rehab programme. Since then Daniel has been able to maintain sobriety but is finding it very difficult alone.

Battling an addiction is a lifelong and difficult struggle, but with the right support, it is possible to overcome any addiction and lead a more fulfilling life. So, why not show your support for those who are trying to overcome their addictions in order to have a better quality of life by signing up to EIC powerLottery or by becoming a partner of EAP today?

Alternatively, if you or someone you know has been experiencing any form of addiction and requires assistance, please contact the EIC support team: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0800 652 1618.

For further information, please contact, Jess Vailima: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.