"Alcoholism is a disease of the

body, mind, and spirit.

It just doesn't get better by itself."

If you can't help an alcoholic until he or she wants help, then what will it take to get them to that point?

That question - What will it take? - changes the way we think about addiction and the way we approach the problem.  We don't have to wait for personal tragedy to strike; hitting bottom has a steep price tag and the victim isn't the only one who pays.

Intervention is like CPR for alcoholism. It can break through the natural defenses and denial of the alcoholic person in a loving way, and enable them to accept the help that is readily available. Too many people cling to the myth that an alcoholic must actively want to get sober before the first steps can be taken.