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.