I spent more than half of my life living with Alcoholism. No, not me personally but as a child, my Father was a “functioning” Alcoholic. My first love was an Alcoholic and Drug Addict. I had friends that were Alcoholics and I learned quickly how to deal with them and try to help them with the help of therapy and the assistance of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) and Al-Anon.
Mayoclinic.com defines Alcoholism as such:
Alcoholism is a chronic and often progressive disease that includes problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems, having to drink more to get the same effect (physical dependence), or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking.
Yes, Alcoholism is an Disease
Yes, Alcoholism is a Addiction
Denial is Common and one that I’m very familiar with. My Father would never admit he had a “problem” and was an Alcoholic. It eventually would take his life.
Those who do finally admit they have a “problem” hopefully will seek help via Alcoholics Anonymous, a Doctor, or another type of Counseling. There are many types of treatments for Alcoholism. From medications to detoxify; to Psychological Counseling; to Oral or Injected Medications; to Medical or Spiritual Practice; to an In-House Residential Treatment (Rehab).
I’d like to briefly focus on the actual In-House Residential Treatment (Rehab). This is a facility where you go to stay and undergo Individual or Group Therapy. These are very structured programs in which the “Addict” will learn the 12 Step Program. I’ve created a SlideShare to show you the 12 Steps to Recovery.
The 12 stepsDoes this type of treatment work? It can definitely work while you’re in the Rehab however upon leaving, certain lifestyle changes are imminent in order for your success.
To find out more about Alcoholism or to find out if you or a loved one is an Alcoholic, please check out Alcoholics Anonymous or the MayoClinic. You will find valuable resources there.
Care to hear about my childhood experience and living with an Alcoholic Parent? Please come visit me over at Harleena’s place, Aha!Now, and read my post Alcoholic Parents: Family Problems and Solutions.
