Alcoholics can be cured
March 3, 2010
The following article was published September 19,1964
From the September 19, 1964 Saturday Evening Post.ALCOHOLICS CAN BE CURED--DESPITE A.A.By Dr. Arthur H. Cain
An expert charges that Alcoholics anonymous has become a dogmatic cult that blocks medical progress and hampers many members' lives.
It is time we made a thorough investigation of Alcoholics Anonymous in the interest of our public health. A.A. is identified in the public mind as a God-fearing fellowship of 350,000 "arrested alcoholics" who keep one another sober and rescue others from the horrors of alcoholism. Unfortunately, A.A. has become a dogmatic cult whose chapters too often turn sobriety into slavery to A.A. Because of its narrow outlook, Alcoholics Anonymous prevents thousands from ever being cured. Moreover A.A has retarded scientific research into one of America's most serious health problems. Read more
Alcohol Dependency | Sober Recovery Articles
November 2, 2009
The terms alcoholism and alcohol dependency are often used interchangeably. While both indicate a physical reliance upon alcohol, alcohol dependency is characterized by a dependence upon alcohol that results in physical withdrawal symptoms while alcoholism is an addiction to alcohol characterized by marked behavioral problems due to prolonged and excessive harmful use.
This may seem like splitting hairs and it’s likely only a trained professional could be able to differentiate between alcohol dependency and alcoholism. While the marked difference is characterized by behavioral and personality patterns, in all likelihood alcohol dependency is merely a precursor to alcoholism. No one can tell when the invisible line will be crossed.
Someone experiencing alcohol dependency can be said to be physically dependent upon alcohol and will suffer withdrawal symptoms when alcohol leaves their system. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, resulting in headache, nausea, tremors, irritability, insomnia and anxiety. A higher level of dependency will result in more severe withdrawal symptoms, such as night sweats, night terrors, hallucinations, delirium tremens (DTs) and seizures.
Its important to not get too caught up in the differences between alcohol dependency and alcoholism. The best judge is not a professional but your own experience. If you are suffering serious consequences from your alcohol use that is jeopardizing your health, relationships, work, school, responsibilities, opportunities or the ability to live a happy and functional life, it’s time to ask for help. Alcohol dependency, alcoholism and addiction in general carries the major symptom of denial. When confronted with their alcohol or drug usage, most people in the grip of addiction will deny there is a problem. It usually takes friends and family members to encourage those in the grips of alcohol dependency or alcoholism to get help.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol, don’t wait. Talking to a professional can help you make the decision necessary to save your life.
via Alcohol Dependency | Sober Recovery Articles.
Alcohol Abuse | Sober Recovery Articles
November 1, 2009
Alcohol abuse may start innocently enough. Letting off steam on the weekends, sporting events where you tie on a few too many, grabbing a buddy to hit the bar scene after a break-up. No one intentionally sets out to engage in alcohol abuse or set the stage for alcoholism, but all too often that’s exactly what happens.There’s a lot of misconceptions swirling around about the notion of alcohol abuse and alcoholism. While alcohol abuse is often a precursor to alcoholism, this is not always the case. Someone can abuse alcohol and not be an alcoholic. The difference lies in the genetic make-up of each individual. People predisposed to alcoholism have a genetic predisposition that results in processing alcohol differently than others. This makes it difficult for them to stop drinking once they start. This phenomenon is known as craving. Craving for alcohol occurs on a mental and physical level, and can be so intense in alcoholics that everything else goes out the window. Work, school, relationships, responsibilities – all have been known to fall by the wayside in order to satisfy the craving for alcohol.This is a considerable difference from someone who may begin drinking heavily after the loss of a loved one. Major life trauma or transitions can lead an individual to abuse alcohol in order to cope with grief and stress. While this is not the healthiest behavior, neither does it mean someone is an alcoholic. The best indicator is life management. If someone drinks, even heavily, but maintains significant responsibilities such as family, work, school and health, then counseling may be a more appropriate course of action than alcohol rehab. However, if after a period of time alcohol abuse continues instead of abates, then professional help to determine whether alcohol rehab is necessary should be sought.Where alcohol abuse generally occurs in response to life situations, alcoholism is a set of behavioral and personality problems that lends itself to drinking regardless of the circumstances. In any event, if you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse or alcoholism it’s a good idea to seek professional help. A Christian counselor, Christian therapist or intake coordinator at New Heart Place can help evaluate your specific condition and determine whether you need the structured environment of an inpatient alcohol rehab to overcome it.