Alcoholism is a Disease

Alcoholism is a disease of the mind, body and spirit. Genetics and familial predisposition play a factor. There is a one in two chance of an individual becoming an alcohol/addict in such families. There is a one in four likelihood for the rest of the population. There is a fine line between substance abuse to dependency. It is what is called a “slippery slope.

The disease of addiction follows a progression, a crucial phase and a chronic phase.

In the progression stage there are signs and symptoms of:

• Occasional relief drinking.
• Constant relief drinking commences.
• Increase in Alcohol tolerance.
• Onset of memory blackouts.
• Urgency of first drinks.
• Surreptitious drinking.
• SOMEWHERE ALONG THESE LINES BEGINS THE CRUCIAL PHASE:
• Feelings of guilt.
• Increasing dependence on Alcohol.
• Memory blackouts increase.
• Unable to discuss problem
• Drinking bolstered with excuses
• Decrease ability to stop drinking when others do so
• Grandiose and aggressive behavior
• Persistent remorse
• Efforts to control fail repeatedly
• Promises and resolutions fail
• Tries geographical escapes
• Loss of other interests
• Family and friends avoided
• Work and money troubles
• Loss of ordinary will power
•  Unreasonable resentments
• tremors and early morning drinks
• neglect of food
• SOMEWHERE ALONG THESE LINES BEGINS THE CHRONIC PHASE:
• decrease in alcohol tolerance
• physical deterioration
•  onset of lengthy intoxications
• moral deterioration
• impaired thinking
• drinking with inferiors
• indefinable fears
• unable to initiate action
• obsession with drinking
• vague spiritual desires
• all alibis exhausted
• complete defeat admitted
• obsession in drinking continues in vicious circles.

Prior to the alcoholic/addict reaching out for help, they may need to follow this path to the point of “hitting a bottom”.  

Each person’s bottom may be different.

A DUI to alcohol poisoning to a drug overdose.

If you or someone you love may be suffering with alcohol and/or drug addiction, please contact me at 561-714-1028 or email me at carlamul@aol.com.