Alcoholism: What is it? How did I get it? How do I get rid of it?

Wikipedia defines alcoholism as:

“A disabling addictive disorder characterized by the compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcohol”

Big deal right? While the above statement may technically “define” alcoholism, the simplistic sentence gives one little direction, let alone hope, in facing what is arguably the worlds most difficult and deadly issue since grapes were first crushed.

Alcoholics Anonymous provides a little more insight:

“Men and women drink because they like the effect produced by alcohol. They are irritable, restless and
discontented unless they can again experience the sense of ease and comfort which comes by taking a few drinks”.

AA goes on to say:

“Once they have succumbed to a few drinks, the phenomenon of craving develops”.

Although the actual experiences of any one alcoholic can be as different and unique as people on the planet, the AA definition provides a beginning to start ones “way of thinking” in regards to this deadly subject.

How did I get it?

Every alcoholic spends days with deep academic, analytical research in pursuit of this highly intellectual question or perhaps they will ask, “Why me”? The truth is people die waiting on this answer which typically comes right after many days of denial. Perhaps a better question would be “Does it really matter”?

How do I get rid of it?

Isn’t this the real question? Don’t we all want to get rid of every problem and then be able to continue living just like we always have? Without any effort? Without any pain or discomfort? Don’t we all want to walk into “some place” and shortly thereafter, walk away “cured”?

More important than “getting rid of alcoholism” and rushing back to our familiar way of life is the discovery of the miracle that allows us to actually learn how to live sober and to live without the overpowering obsession to drink alcohol. Believe it or not, the “trick” is possible for every single person regardless of age, gender, race, religeon or any other perceived obstacle and no one is ever “to far gone”. The miracle begins like a dim beam of an old flashlight with worn out batteries but on the darkest of nights, one can see that faint light. This dim light of hope will lead to a path of living sober. The beginnings of this path is within each of us and yes, it is within you as well.