Alcoholism is a complex disease that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. It affects every aspect of our life and those around us, damaging our relationships and well-being at every level. Acceptance of the disease is difficult, and many people believe that, although their lives are no longer manageable as a result of their drinking, they do not truly suffer from alcoholism. But what is it that we can look at when trying to make the determination of whether or not we have the disease of alcoholism? Many of us tried everything possible to control our drinking but found that we were unable to. We would cling to anything that might prove that we were not as bad off as those with alcoholism, whether it be a job, family, or relationships. Deep down, however, we knew that we were suffering and had entirely lost the ability to choose whether to drink or not. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous explains, “We learned that we had to fully concede to our innermost selves that we were alcoholics. This is the first step in recovery. The delusion that we were like other people, or presently may be, has to be smashed.” When we look within ourselves to determine whether or not we suffered from alcoholism, we must do our best not to let ourselves be deluded by the illusion that our lives are manageable. The Big Book describes certain “bedevilments” that plague those with the disease of alcoholism: “We were having trouble with personal relationships, we couldn’t control our emotional natures, we were a prey to misery and depression, we couldn’t make a living, we had a feeling of uselessness, we were full of fear, we were unhappy, we couldn’t seem to be of real help to other people.” When looking at these symptoms of alcoholism, we become aware that our personal struggles are not unique. We are not alone in the deep, spiritual problems that have caused us to suffer and seek refuge in a state of intoxication. The understanding that these problems are a result of a disease rather than a moral failing makes us realize that we are not an exception to the possibility of recovery. Countless men and women who have felt the same pain and suffering in alcoholism have also managed to find a solution through recovery and achieve permanent sobriety.
There is a solution to alcoholism and recovery is possible. The next chapter of your story can be one of joy and happiness, free from the painful cycle of addiction. Oceanfront Recovery, a treatment center in beautiful Laguna Beach, offers a variety of treatment techniques and methodologies to give you the best possible chance of achieving permanent sobriety. For more information about treatment options, including Detox and Residential Treatment, please call today: (877) 279-1777
