Am I an Alcoholic?
Do you think you might be an alcoholic? There may be many reasons why you do not want even to consider this question in relation to yourself. There is still a stigma attached to the word and you may feel that people will judge you and think less of you if you are known to be an alcoholic. To some extent, it sounds a little better if we say we are alcohol dependent – or even more acceptable – a heavy or big drinker.
However, there are alcoholics in all walks of life and from all backgrounds. Alcoholism is one of the least discriminating illnesses going. And it is internationally recognised as an illness – an Internationally Classified Disease by the World Health Organisation. It affects all races, nationalities and religions.
Alcoholism affects the well educated as well as those who did not complete their schooling. It affects the wealthy and poor, the successful and those who have always struggled with life. It is not a disease that only affects the weak – in fact, quite the opposite. Many alcoholics are very strong willed. Many are very successful in their careers.
If alcohol was invented today, it is highly likely that it would be classified as a Class A drug and made illegal. However, this is not the case and alcohol is prevalent throughout society. In alcoholics it leads to the following:
– Altered behaviour – excessive consumption despite harmful consequences
– An altered subjective state – pre-occupation with alcohol, obtaining a supply and consuming it
– An altered psychological state – increased tolerance to alcohol and withdrawal symptoms if consumption stops.
Can’t Cut Down
People use alcohol in a search for pleasure or to relieve pain. To start with, the first drink can make them feel good as alcohol removes sensors and helps people relax. The second drink enhances this further and the drinker can still return to normal emotionally quite quickly though some may feel some physical symptoms after two drinks. However, those who develop a chemical dependency – alcoholism – drink more and more and on returning to ‘normal’ feel emotional pain and guilt.
Drinking becomes increasingly associated with painful feelings. The dependency on alcohol and the habitual consumption makes it extremely difficult to cut down or give it up. In fact for the ‘true’ alcoholic, cutting down is no longer an option as it is an impossible feat to achieve. The alcoholic reacts to alcohol as if it was an allergy. One sip will lead to full blown illness in the same way as people with a nut allergy cannot have one peanut.
More and More Alcohol to Feel Normal – Alcoholic?
As time goes on, the alcoholic drinker needs more and more alcohol in order to feel ‘normal’ – but in turn this leads to greater loss of control and this in turn leads on to emotional dependency. The alcoholic fails to recognise this slide into alcoholism but others close to them usually see it. If family and friends comment on an alcoholic’s drinking or criticise it. The alcoholic rationalises their behaviour and defends it. It is a hard argument for either side to win.
Do you see these traits in yourself or someone you love? Help is available and many people who are alcoholics learn to live very happily. Without drinking and find a much happier life than they were living at the end of their drinking.
Help can be found in support groups, such as AA. If you need more intensive help to give up drinking, rehab clinics offer all the help and support you should need. There is no need following a stay in a rehab clinic for you and your loved ones to ever feel that lonely, miserable and without hope ever again.
