The Romans even had a god of wine and revelry, Bacchus, and if ever there was a race of people who knew how to party it was them.
Today the production of alcohol has evolved into a science and is big business, both for the producers and the governments who levy taxes on it.
By way of example, in 2002, HM Customs and Excise reported a total revenue from duties and VAT on alcohol of � 12,281 million.
So it is fair to say that the use of alcohol is a major part of modern society. Take a walk and see how long it is before you come across a pub/bar, liqour store/off-licence. Turn on your television and not only do you get adverts for alcohol, but it features in almost every soap opera or film that you watch. It is all around us, all the time.
This is not in itself a bad thing. Alcohol as a product is not a bad thing. Used sensibly and in moderation it is an enjoyable relaxant, social catalyst and pleasant experience. Only when it is abused does it become dangerous, not only to the abuser but also to the people around them.
But there are people, the author included who has completed his second detox and is currently dry, for who alcohol is a problem, an addiction, a craving and as much a requirement for everyday living as food and water. As an illustration 14million Americans are classified as having a drink problem (the criteria for which is discussed on the 'Units' page of this site along with other facts) which represents 7.5% of the 291million population (big place isn't it ?!). In the United Kingdom 3million are similarly classified as problem drinkers or 15% of the 60million population. So it is a problem of no small proportion.
There are many organisations, private and public, tirelessly working to help people with alcohol problems and more helping people who are affected by people in their lives who drink. The people who work within these organisations are dedicated to helping men and women reclaim their lives and regain control over this most addictive of substances and deserve medals, all of them. SAFFARA isn't and doesn't claim to be one of these.
So what is SAFFARA...?
Often people we know who don't have a problem with alcohol (again, see the definitions in the 'Units' section of this site) do not understand the dynamics of the alcoholic. Common phrases they use include "Why don't you just stop drinking?" (for which there is a very good reason which will be explained in the 'units' section) or "It just takes willpower" and sometimes threats such as "If you don't stop drinking I will...".
The reality is that a drinker will only stop drinking when THEY want to, when THEY have identified the problem, when THEY are ready to make the change. You cannot do it for anyone else, you have to want to do it for YOU.
This is why SAFFARA members agree not to make judgements, to offer support and impartial advice in the recognition that it takes a lot of courage to admit to the problem and a huge effort to address it. This is where support and exchange of information play a big part. It lessens the burden to know that you are not alone and that you have an anchor, a place to interact with people in the same boat.
The main tool of this exchange is the SAFFARA Group, the link can be found on the Forum and links page, it is a posting facility that allows anyone to express their views, seek/exchange advice or just simply get things off their chest in absolute anonymity and without judgement.
