More Straight Talk: Answers to Questions Young People Ask About Alcohol

By Dr. Ralph E. Jones

In More "Straight Talk, Answers to Questions Young People ask about Alcohol," the author faces us with information on what continues to be one of the most pressing drug problems of our society, the consumption and abuse of alcoholic beverages. The question and answer format makes the topic easily understandable for young and old alike and the author approaches the topic from the understanding and empathic heart of a counselor.

Without question, this book is a must read for anyone interested in the problems associated with alcohol abuse in our families and society. It is especially imperative for parents of young children to read this book to gain information which will enable them to answer honestly and factually their children's questions about the use and abuse of alcohol. This book is an invaluable resource to help educators, the clergy, those engaged in substance abuse prevention and treatment, and others engaged in health care and the helping professions.

Without question, Dr. Jones book is a must read for anyone interested in the problems associated with alcohol abuse in our families and society. It is especially imperative for parents of Young children to read this book to gain information which will enable them to answer honestly and factually their childrens questions about the use and abuse of alcohol.
Donald E. Smith, BS, M.Ed., Ed.D

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Apr 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481736275

Dr. Ralph E. Jones

Dr. Ralph E. Jones retired from the U.S. Air Force after a distinguished career of 22 years. He worked in various hospital settings before retiring from the State of Texas as a Health Care Administrator, Counselor, and Psychologist for another 22 years of service. Dr. Jones received many awards, decorations, and allocades during his career; to include Counselor of the Year for the State of Texas and induction into the Hall of Fame with the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals. Included in his four degrees were studies in Anthropology, in which he had always been interested in. These studies served as a basis for fulfilling his desire to be an Avocational Archaeologist. He visited many Archaeology sites throughout the world, and explored many areas pertaining to early man in Southwest Texas. His authored books include Straight Talk: Answers to Questions Young People ask about Alcohol, and The Adventures of Kele, Boy of the Rock Shelter.

Book preview

© 2013 by Dr. Ralph E. Jones. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 04/08/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-3628-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-3627-5 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1 Alcohol

2 About Alcoholism

3 Treatment

4 How Do I Say, "No?

5 Where Can I Learn More?

6 Where Can I Turn For Help?

Getting Help

7 Questions To Ask Yourself

How Do I Know If Someone Else Has A Drinking Problem?

How Do I Know If I Have A Drinking Problem?

What Are The Signs Of Alcoholism?

Testing Your Knowledge About Alcohol And Alcoholism

Pressure Points

Glossary

Appendix

Fifteen Reasons Young People Say No To Alcohol

Foreword

In More Straight Talk, Ralph Jones faces us with information on what continues to be one of the most pressing drug problems of our society, the consumption and abuse of alcoholic beverages. His question and answer format makes the topic easily understandable for young and old alike and he approaches the topic from the understanding and empathic heart of a counselor.

I have known Dr. Jones as a colleague, as a student, and as a good friend for over thirty years. His interest in the subject of problem drinking and the disease concept of alcoholism has been intense and persistent. He has invested much of his professional career into helping families, individuals, and communities to address the serious problems brought on by alcohol.

At one point in my own professional life he inspired me to take the necessary steps to become certified in chemical dependency counseling. With his assistance, I was selected to serve on the statewide advisory council of the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, a position in which I served for twelve years.

Without question, Dr. Jones’ book is a must read for anyone interested in the problems associated with alcohol abuse in our families and society. It is especially imperative for parents of young children to read this book to gain information which will enable them to answer honestly and factually their children’s questions about the use and abuse of alcohol.

Donald E. Smith, BS, M.Ed., Ed.D., Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Counseling and Guidance, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College.

Preface

Alcoholism is life-threatening. Alcohol abuse and alcoholism rank third, behind cancer and heart disease, in the number of people afflicted. The casualty figures arising from the abuse of alcohol on the highways, in crime, in hospitals, at the work place and in the family are staggering. The economic cost of all this to Americans is over $223.5 billion.* This edition of Straight Talk has, as been the previous two editions, a real labor of love. I continue to see the pain and suffering that alcohol abuse and dependency cause individuals, families and other friends and loved ones, and to our society as a whole. In my many lectures, presentations, and writings over the years I have approached the problem in a very conservative, rational manner; although I must admit that I have often been caught up in the emotions of the moments… . being with the family that has just lost their teenage son due to alcohol poisoning; being with family and friends in those hospital rooms as their loved ones draw their last breath in succumbing to the physical effects of Alcoholism; mourning with the family whose teenage daughter was killed in an automobile that was struck by a drunk driver… these are just a few of the many incidents that I have been a part of, there were many, many more. I would that this book will help in preventing the pain and suffering brought on by alcohol abuse and alcoholism; and be seen as a tool in this regard. I am a conservative realist, not a prohibitionist. I do not even pretend to know all the answers involving the alcohol problem, and I concede that the problem will continue as long as there are choices involving consumption of alcohol. It is my hope that this book will assist in making