Alcoholism is a Progressive "Dis-Ease"

Alcoholism is a progressive biopsychosocial/spiritual "disease" that, when left untreated, always gets worse, never better. Symptoms associated with the progression of this "dis-ease" are provided below. If you or someone you love appears to be affected by alcoholism [or other addictions], the good news is that help available.

Although there is no known cure for alcoholism, there is hope for recovery. The key to success is early detection. The sooner the progression of the "dis-ease" is recognized and arrested in it's development, the less physical, mental, E-motional and spiritual deterioration there will be and the easier it will be to get back on the path to a healthier, happier, more joy-FULL life.

<B>Trauma & Dysfunction</B> Many alcoholics have a history of being raised by toxic people in toxic environments. Their early years are often marred by physical, mental, E-motional and/or sexual abuse. It is also common for them to have experienced a number of traumatic life events that left them feeling used, abused, betrayed, rejected and ultimately abandoned by love. They have suffered the ultimate injury to their sense of Self – "the primal wound."

<B>Feelings of Inadequacy</B> Trauma and dysfunction often leave those affected by it with a deep-seated sense of inadequacy. Like they just don't measure up…. that they are fundamentally flawed is some way. Unworthy. Unlovable. Simply no GO[o]D. Why else would mommy, daddy, or even God have treated them that way? Bad things happen to bad people, right? It's all my fault.

<B>Loss of Authentic Self</B> Bit by bit, piece by piece, any true connection to a loving source or lovable Self is lost. In it's place a defended and cloaked self, protected by an endless array of ego defense mechanisms, forms. Ego inflates, while soul deflates. Lost in "the infinite void" of "non-existence" is a wounded soul having grave difficulties with Being human.

<B>Alcohol Becomes "The Solution"</B> Lost and confused, no longer knowing who they really are or what the point and purpose of life is anymore, alcoholics begin to find that drinking "solves" their problems. This may mean that s/he drinks to escape or avoid things s/he doesn't want to deal with, to ease pain, to bolster self-esteem, to have a "GO[o]D" time or to fill the "black hole" deep within.

<B>Amounts of Alcohol Consumed Increases</B> As a person's relief from alcohol increases, so to does her/his tolerance to its' effects. Therefore, the amount of alcohol s/he needs to consume in order to get the same effect increases. This can include "benders" or "binges" where the drinking is extremely heavy for days or weeks at a time.

<B>Begin to Hide Drinking</B> In order to maintain the "high" that alcohol gives them or prevent the "lows" they feel when the effects of the alcohol have worn off many alcoholics not only continue to increase the amount of alcohol they consume, but begin to hide the amount of alcohol they are consuming from everyone else. This may result in alcohol being hidden in strange places within or around the house, at work or social gathers. Many begin to "fortify" themselves before joining others for "cocktail hour" in lieu of having to explain why they are drinking so much. Others sneak large gulps of alcohol when no one else is looking.

<B>Experience "Black Outs"</B> A "black out" involves the loss of memory for what happened while under the influence of alcohol. A "black out" is not to be confused with "passing out" or loss of consciousness. The drinker suffering from a "black out" will be unable to remember things that happened, where they were, what they did or said while drinking. As the progression of the "dis-ease" continues, so too does the frequency of "black outs."

<B>Hangovers and Eye Openers</B> As they become more and more dependent on alcohol, many alcoholics need a little "eye opener" in order to take away the pain and discomfort of a hangover the "morning after."

<B>Loss of Control</B> At some point in her or his "drinking career," every alcoholic looses control over alcohol. They have no mental defense against the first drink. They become powerless to the ravages of alcoholism.

<B>D.E.N.I.A.L.</B> Stands for: I "Didn't Even Know I was always Lying."

<B>Excuses, Excuses, Excuses</B> It's not my fault. If you weren't such a mean "bit#*"… If my boss wasn't such an "S.O.B." I wouldn't have to drink this much. I'm stressed. I'm depressed. Everybody else was drinking. I just stopped for a minute on my way home…

<B>Resentments</B> Unstable emotions, projection of blame, and violent outbursts are commonplace. Bitter, angry and resentful… they brood over imagined wrongs inflicted upon them by others. They are highly critical of everyone and everything that crosses their path.

<B>Mood Swings</B> You never know who you're going to get, "Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde."

<B>Antisocial Behavior & Legal Problems</B> As the drinking continues to increase so too do the legal problems. Common infractions often include drunk driving charges, assault and battery, lewd and lascivious behaviors, robbery and petty theft.

<B>Loss of Friends, Family & Jobs</B> Their crude, rude, and appalling conduct begins to destroy the social ties that bind them to friends, family and jobs.

<B>Self-Loathing</B> Behind all the anger… behind all the outwardly destructive behavior is an inner war fueled by critical self-appraisal, guilt, shame and self-hate.

<B>Tremors & Withdrawal</B> When forced to abstain from alcohol their mind/E-motion/body begins to get "the shakes." This condition is known as "the D.T.'s [delirium tremens] and can include hallucinations intense psychological distress. Withdrawal from alcohol is a serious medical condition and can be fatal without appropriate medical intervention.

<B>Desperation & Despair</B> With little hope left for escape from their misery, as alcohol no longer serves as a solution to their problems, many become desperate to find release from their gloom, despair, and misery, but few are willing to admit they need help.

<B>Rock Bottom</B> This is the point at which the costs of continuing to drink finally outweigh the benefits. The pain is greater than the gain and death is accepted as the final threat.

<B>Surrender & Defeat</B> This is magical turning point at which the worst of times become the best of times. Like the phoenix rising out of the ashes the alcoholic both accepts and admits s/he needs help… "My name is _____ and I'm an alcoholic." "I am powerless over alcoholism and my life has become unmanageable… on my own."

<B>Uncover, Discover, Re-Solve</B> As they "come to" accept help, achieve and maintain a sober life, it becomes necessary to uncover the progression of their "dis-ease," discover the real source of their problems, and learn to re-solve them in healthier ways.

<B>Admit Mistakes and Make Them Right</B> In order to live with themselves and go on with the rest of their lives, in recovery, it is important for every newly sober person to identify and admit the mistakes of their past, then make them right through either direct or living amends. Just saying "I'm sorry" is not always enough. It isn't what you say, but what you do, that is the difference that makes the difference.

<B>Recovery & Re-Discovery of Who You Really Are</B> The Truth will set you free. You are worthy. You are lovable. You are a part of… The One in All!

If you would like to learn more about the hope for recovery from alcoholism or to connect with recovering alcoholics in your area, I suggest you contact Alcoholics Anonymous <http://www.aa.org/?Media=PlayFlash>.