ALCOHOL ADDICTION; how to learn and understand what is going on.

Welcome

                        It's been several months since we lost our son to addiction.

                        No, "addiction" wasn't the reason for his death. But, it was "addiction" that killed him. An example might be a person who has cancer, and after a valiant fight to live, he passes on from pneumonia or heart failure.

                        Our son died because he fell asleep (we think) at the wheel. And he fell asleep because he hadn't slept for days.And he hadn't slept for days because we think that he was "using"  In this case, it was a street drug, and not alcohol.

                        We don't understand everything about addiction. When I was growing up, both my parents and I considered anyone who had a drinking problem was labeled a "souse", a loser, a "bottom-of-the-barrel" person. That's all that people knew then. They were secretive and judgmental. Back in the 50's and 60's people knew others with addiction problems. But they were tight-lipped about it. 

                       We were ignorant then. Thanks to Alcoholic Anonymous, and such leaders as Bill Wilson, we as a nation and world are beginning to reach the problem. But, holy cow, that organization known as AA was established in 1935! Its as though no one really has a handle on this problem except now it is often acknowledged as an illness..Even tho, Alcoholics Anon and Al Anon has grown in some knowledge and new techniques.  And today, more and more knowledge is forthcoming, and although still an unlocked mystery, addiction information is available and helpful. But, society has a long way to go to catch up.

                        Alcoholism and drug addiction are each an illness. if they don't begin that way, they soon become an illness. It captures the mind, will, and emotions of the person who is enmeshed in this trap. It affects social and emotional growth, it stunts the maturity process, it blanks out the emotional stress that accompanies it.

                        Often the addict complains of anxiety and extreme depression. The habitual abuse of drugs and alcohol affect the brain and brings on more angst and sorrow.  It's a vicious circle.

                        The ones who suffer most are the loved ones….the parents, spouses, children, friends….because the poor individual who is using, isn't even "around" when the caregivers and loved ones are crying, desperate, wringing their hands, moaning, complaining, stressing, helpless, and hopeless. Everyone in the circle is sick! It affects every member of the extended relationships.

                        But, remember this. The addict is not hopeless. He/she is helpless. But, there is hope. And above all, there is also hope for the ones who love and hurt; who suffer the effects of a loved one's addiction.

                         I hope you can find something here to guide you, in the many many articles on this site.

                        God Bless you and hang in there. Knowledge is power.

For more writings by this author go to juditabler.com   WELCOME