|
Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol has
been around for centuries. In fact, it is
arguably the oldest abused chemical around. It
has definitely had its ups and downs in
popularity throughout the years. There are
groups and countries that ban its use. There are
religious sects that warn against its
intoxicating ways and the immoral behavior
associated with it. For generations, alcohol has
continued a love/hate relationship with
humankind. Love from the ones who like to drink
it and hate from the ones who have seen lives
destroyed by it.
In any major
city today you may see a homeless man or woman
holding a cardboard sign up, usually at a busy
intersection, asking for money. What is the
common and sadly, usual response to this? “I
would give them money but they’re just going to
use it to buy booze.” It’s a familiar situation
to most Americans today. What is more
regrettable is they are probably right. The
person on the busy intersection corner is more
than likely an alcoholic. Even today in the well
informed society we live, many people associate
alcoholism with the homeless “wino”, begging for
money and living under bridges. But this is only
partly true. The homeless alcoholic, begging and
living under bridges accounts for only 3% of the
entire alcoholic population. Surprising, isn’t
it?
Many alcoholics
have event-filled lives, jobs, families, homes,
cars and pets. They may have never been in
trouble and maybe have never had a DUI, not yet
at least. They live to drink and drink to live
while “keeping up appearances” to the outside
world. But ask anyone who lives with them, or
has seen them in an alcoholic stupor, and they
will be quick to say otherwise. They know the
truth and more than likely, the neighborhood,
the boss, the teachers and coaches, family and
friends do as well. It may be the secret no one
talks about but everyone knows. Some of them may
secretly wish for the time when the alcoholic
will gather up enough will-power to stop on
their own. Again and again they will quietly
wish for something that will probably happen.
But what is the
difference between an alcoholic and somebody
that “just drinks”?
Leaving scientific debate
aside, there are usually four classes of people
who drink and only one of is alcoholic.
The first class of drinker is the Social
Drinker. This individual usually drinks a glass
of wine or a beer with friends at a social
gathering or event. They have a low tolerance to
alcohol and don’t ingest very much of it. They
can put down a glass half full of alcohol and
walk away, bothering them not one bit. The
social drinker literally can take it or leave
it. They may or may not have alcohol in the
house. If they do, it’s for special occasions
and is rarely brought out. The social drinker
may have a bottle of alcohol that has been
sitting in a cabinet for months or even years.
Alcohol is absolutely not an issue for them.
The second class of drinker is the Problem
Drinker. This individual enjoys drinking with
others but rarely drinks alone, if at all. They
like parties, bars and the social scene but
every once in a while, a problem will arise due
to their drinking. Maybe it’s relationship that
has soured because of their drinking or even a
DUI. Maybe they lost a job or went into a rage
while drunk and threw the television out of the
window. The problem drinker will have problems,
even serious ones, but they are not alcoholic.
Something will happen in their lives and they
will be able to stop on their own. Maybe the DUI
smartened them up and they stopped or slowed
down considerably. Maybe the television being
thrown out the window wasn’t such a grand idea
and they stop. Maybe that last girlfriend, or
wife, they lost because of drinking woke them up
and they decided to stop. Whatever the reason,
they can and probably will stop drinking by
themselves.
The third class of drinker is the Chronic
Drinker. This individual drinks heavily, maybe
everyday and has for most of their lives. They
may have lost a lot in their lives due to their
drinking. Maybe those around them question
whether they are alcoholic or not. They may even
question it themselves. They drink alone or with
other people. They’re drinking is definitely
cause for concern. They may even have a damaged
liver from years of hard drinking. But like the
problem drinker, something will happen in their
lives that will cause them to stop drinking.
Maybe the doctor will warn them to quit or
possibly die. They may need medical help to come
off the booze. But the Chronic Drinker can quit
drinking and lead a relatively normal life
without alcohol.
The fourth class of drinker is the Alcoholic.
This individual drinks because there is no other
choice. Many alcoholics understand the term
“maintenance drinking”. No matter who or what is
lost, they continue drinking. Regardless what
the doctor says, they may try to slow down or
stop, but will be right back to their old selves
in no time. When an alcoholic starts to drink,
they usually cannot stop until the desired
effect of oblivion is achieved. They may or may
not realize the “one drink” theory applies to
them. One drink and they are off to the races
all over again. They are utterly incapable of
leaving alcohol alone for any extended period of
time.
The definitions above are in no way an exact
model. An honest appraisal of oneself will
reveal the truth. There are many alcoholics who
need to change but don’t want to
change. If every alcoholic was admitted to a
treatment facility based on need, there wouldn’t
be enough facilities to handle the load.
Treatment and aftercare meetings like Alcoholics
Anonymous are there for people who want it. Do
you?
By: Patrick McLemore
Go Back |
