alcoholism or alcohol abuse...what's the difference?
alcoholism or alcohol abuse...what's the difference?
I was reading a thread that questioned the difference between alcoholism and alcohol abuse. I found this on the net, and thought it might be helpful to some. It's from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIAAA.
"...For many people, the facts about alcoholism are not clear. What is alcoholism, exactly? How does it differ from alcohol abuse? When should a person seek help for a problem related to his or her drinking? The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has prepared this booklet to help individuals and families answer these and other common questions about alcohol problems. The following information explains both alcoholism and alcohol abuse, the symptoms of each, when and where to seek help, treatment choices, and additional helpful resources...."
"...What Is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism, also known as “alcohol dependence,” is a disease that includes four symptoms:
• Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.
• Loss of control: The inability to limit one’s drinking on any given occasion.
• Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking.
• Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to “get high.”
People who are not alcoholic sometimes do not understand why an alcoholic can’t just “use a little willpower” to stop drinking. However, alcoholism has little to do with willpower. Alcoholics are in the grip of a powerful “craving,” or uncontrollable need, for alcohol that overrides their ability to stop drinking. This need can be as strong as the need for food or water.
Although some people are able to recover from alcoholism without help, the majority of alcoholics need assistance. With treatment and support, many individuals are able to stop drinking and rebuild their lives.
Many people wonder why some individuals can use alcohol without problems but others cannot. One important reason has to do with genetics. Scientists have found that having an alcoholic family member makes it more likely that if you choose to drink you too may develop alcoholism. Genes, however, are not the whole story. In fact, scientists now believe that certain factors in a person’s environment influence whether a person with a genetic risk for alcoholism ever develops the disease. A person’s risk for developing alcoholism can increase based on the person’s environment, including where and how he or she lives; family, friends, and culture; peer pressure; and even how easy it is to get alcohol.
What Is Alcohol Abuse?
Alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism in that it does not include an extremely strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking, or physical dependence. Alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that results in one or more of the following situations within a 12-month period:
• Failure to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities;
• Drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, such as while driving a car or operating machinery;
• Having recurring alcohol-related legal problems, such as being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or for physically hurting someone while drunk; and
• Continued drinking despite having ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by the drinking.
Although alcohol abuse is basically different from alcoholism, many effects of alcohol abuse are also experienced by alcoholics.
What Are the Signs of a Problem?
How can you tell whether you may have a drinking problem? Answering the following four questions can help you find out:
• Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
• Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
• Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
• Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning (as an “eye opener”) to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?
One “yes” answer suggests a possible alcohol problem. If you answered “yes” to more than one question, it is highly likely that a problem exists. In either case, it is important that you see your doctor or other health care provider right away to discuss your answers to these questions. He or she can help you determine whether you have a drinking problem and, if so, recommend the best course of action.
Even if you answered “no” to all of the above questions, if you encounter drinking-related problems with your job, relationships, health, or the law, you should seek professional help. The effects of alcohol abuse can be extremely serious—even fatal—both to you and to others...."
There is much more information on the site. It looks at the decision to get help whether one is an alcoholic or one abuses alcohol. It looks at the new directions in research, a list of sources, and so much more, I can't begin to list. Here is the site location:
http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/booklet.htm
Hope there is some information here that is helpful to those questioning.
Shalom!
"...For many people, the facts about alcoholism are not clear. What is alcoholism, exactly? How does it differ from alcohol abuse? When should a person seek help for a problem related to his or her drinking? The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has prepared this booklet to help individuals and families answer these and other common questions about alcohol problems. The following information explains both alcoholism and alcohol abuse, the symptoms of each, when and where to seek help, treatment choices, and additional helpful resources...."
"...What Is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism, also known as “alcohol dependence,” is a disease that includes four symptoms:
• Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.
• Loss of control: The inability to limit one’s drinking on any given occasion.
• Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking.
• Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to “get high.”
People who are not alcoholic sometimes do not understand why an alcoholic can’t just “use a little willpower” to stop drinking. However, alcoholism has little to do with willpower. Alcoholics are in the grip of a powerful “craving,” or uncontrollable need, for alcohol that overrides their ability to stop drinking. This need can be as strong as the need for food or water.
Although some people are able to recover from alcoholism without help, the majority of alcoholics need assistance. With treatment and support, many individuals are able to stop drinking and rebuild their lives.
Many people wonder why some individuals can use alcohol without problems but others cannot. One important reason has to do with genetics. Scientists have found that having an alcoholic family member makes it more likely that if you choose to drink you too may develop alcoholism. Genes, however, are not the whole story. In fact, scientists now believe that certain factors in a person’s environment influence whether a person with a genetic risk for alcoholism ever develops the disease. A person’s risk for developing alcoholism can increase based on the person’s environment, including where and how he or she lives; family, friends, and culture; peer pressure; and even how easy it is to get alcohol.
What Is Alcohol Abuse?
Alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism in that it does not include an extremely strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking, or physical dependence. Alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that results in one or more of the following situations within a 12-month period:
• Failure to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities;
• Drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, such as while driving a car or operating machinery;
• Having recurring alcohol-related legal problems, such as being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or for physically hurting someone while drunk; and
• Continued drinking despite having ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by the drinking.
Although alcohol abuse is basically different from alcoholism, many effects of alcohol abuse are also experienced by alcoholics.
What Are the Signs of a Problem?
How can you tell whether you may have a drinking problem? Answering the following four questions can help you find out:
• Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
• Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
• Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
• Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning (as an “eye opener”) to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?
One “yes” answer suggests a possible alcohol problem. If you answered “yes” to more than one question, it is highly likely that a problem exists. In either case, it is important that you see your doctor or other health care provider right away to discuss your answers to these questions. He or she can help you determine whether you have a drinking problem and, if so, recommend the best course of action.
Even if you answered “no” to all of the above questions, if you encounter drinking-related problems with your job, relationships, health, or the law, you should seek professional help. The effects of alcohol abuse can be extremely serious—even fatal—both to you and to others...."
There is much more information on the site. It looks at the decision to get help whether one is an alcoholic or one abuses alcohol. It looks at the new directions in research, a list of sources, and so much more, I can't begin to list. Here is the site location:
http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/booklet.htm
Hope there is some information here that is helpful to those questioning.
Shalom!
Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: London
Posts: 448
Hi Teach
There's the big long-winded answer which I'm not going to try and do.
My views on what I call alcoholism and the label I attach to myself have recently been challenged.
I cannot square the idea that where I am at boils down to being diseased. Weighing up everything it just doesn't fit. The label alcoholic seems to be attached to and be an attempt to describe the person affected in an inherent, even genetic way, as opposed to being a description of behaviour, choices, environment, circumstance. Perhaps I have changed the structure of my brain or its neural pathways as a result of my persistant thinking and drinking, but the importance is that it comes as a result of drinking, not an originating cause. The originating cause is in my attitudes, beliefs, expectations, the false views I hold about myself and others.
Behaviour contains the possibility of change through reeducation. Allergy's and disease debilitate and disable.
I use the term alcoholic/alcoholism so I don't have to get into lengthy explanations all the time, and I really can't drink averagely at all, but I no more consider myself having the disease of alcoholism that I do of having the disease of haagendazism when the ice cream man appears. Even though I have burnt my bridges and can't drink averagely again.
What I call loss of control and addiction centres in my mind. It is the value and importance I attach to alcohol or ice cream that causes the problem.
That's just my view.
There's the big long-winded answer which I'm not going to try and do.
My views on what I call alcoholism and the label I attach to myself have recently been challenged.
I cannot square the idea that where I am at boils down to being diseased. Weighing up everything it just doesn't fit. The label alcoholic seems to be attached to and be an attempt to describe the person affected in an inherent, even genetic way, as opposed to being a description of behaviour, choices, environment, circumstance. Perhaps I have changed the structure of my brain or its neural pathways as a result of my persistant thinking and drinking, but the importance is that it comes as a result of drinking, not an originating cause. The originating cause is in my attitudes, beliefs, expectations, the false views I hold about myself and others.
Behaviour contains the possibility of change through reeducation. Allergy's and disease debilitate and disable.
I use the term alcoholic/alcoholism so I don't have to get into lengthy explanations all the time, and I really can't drink averagely at all, but I no more consider myself having the disease of alcoholism that I do of having the disease of haagendazism when the ice cream man appears. Even though I have burnt my bridges and can't drink averagely again.
What I call loss of control and addiction centres in my mind. It is the value and importance I attach to alcohol or ice cream that causes the problem.
That's just my view.
I think it's a valuable view too! Cognitive/behavioral therapy is often used in treatment centers for alcoholism. That methodology is exactly about the idea of change in "attitudes, beliefs, expectations, the false views I hold about myself and others." It is the thoughts and feelings, often false and or negative, that are challanged with this type of treatment. That challange can lead to changes in behavior.
I am not an expert on this subject. So, I can't give evidence either way - disease or dis-ease with self or life. Nor do I think it really matters.
What really matters is that people get help; they stop if they can't handle it.
I've often wondered if the disease model was put forth more for sociological reasons than medical fact. It allows the alcoholic to get help without the social stigma; it allows treatment rather than punishment through the legal system; and it gives the general population a better acceptance of alcoholics. I don't think those goals are necessarily bad.
But, I've noticed something too. We say alcoholics and/or alcohol abuse. We don't say drugoholics. We only say drug abuse.
There is power in language. The seperation of alcohol into two different catagories of behaviors is intreging. Alcoholic is the disease model; alcohol abuse is behavior. Why not both words for drug use then?
Is this whole discription a sociological model for ease of treatment enhancement?
I truely don't know. But, again, I think it really matters that people get the help they need to live a clean and sober life.
Just some thoughts...
Thanks for sharing yours, Andy!
Shalom!
I am not an expert on this subject. So, I can't give evidence either way - disease or dis-ease with self or life. Nor do I think it really matters.
What really matters is that people get help; they stop if they can't handle it.
I've often wondered if the disease model was put forth more for sociological reasons than medical fact. It allows the alcoholic to get help without the social stigma; it allows treatment rather than punishment through the legal system; and it gives the general population a better acceptance of alcoholics. I don't think those goals are necessarily bad.
But, I've noticed something too. We say alcoholics and/or alcohol abuse. We don't say drugoholics. We only say drug abuse.
There is power in language. The seperation of alcohol into two different catagories of behaviors is intreging. Alcoholic is the disease model; alcohol abuse is behavior. Why not both words for drug use then?
Is this whole discription a sociological model for ease of treatment enhancement?
I truely don't know. But, again, I think it really matters that people get the help they need to live a clean and sober life.
Just some thoughts...
Thanks for sharing yours, Andy!
Shalom!
In a nut shell, alcoholism is about dependency, physical and emotional. People with alcoholism abuse alcohol. Abuse however does not necessarily mean your dependent. Some binge on occassion but they can take it or leave it don't have withdrawals nor does abusing cause disruption in all life affairs. Dependency (alcoholism) does.
Originally Posted by historyteach
But, I've noticed something too. We say alcoholics and/or alcohol abuse. We don't say drugoholics. We only say drug abuse.
There is power in language. The seperation of alcohol into two different catagories of behaviors is intreging. Alcoholic is the disease model; alcohol abuse is behavior. Why not both words for drug use then?
There is power in language. The seperation of alcohol into two different catagories of behaviors is intreging. Alcoholic is the disease model; alcohol abuse is behavior. Why not both words for drug use then?
Who is an addict?
Most of us do not have to think twice about this question. We know! Our whole life and thinking was centered in drugs in one form or another—the getting and using and finding ways and means to get more. We lived to use and used to live. Very simply, an addict is a man or woman whose life is controlled by drugs. We are people in the grip of a continuing and progressive illness whose ends are always the same: jails, institutions, and death.
We also sayMost of us do not have to think twice about this question. We know! Our whole life and thinking was centered in drugs in one form or another—the getting and using and finding ways and means to get more. We lived to use and used to live. Very simply, an addict is a man or woman whose life is controlled by drugs. We are people in the grip of a continuing and progressive illness whose ends are always the same: jails, institutions, and death.
Thinking of alcohol as different from other drugs has caused a great many addicts to relapse. Before we came to NA, many of us viewed alcohol separately, but we cannot afford to be confused about this. Alcohol is a drug. We are people with the disease of addiction who must abstain from all drugs in order to recover.
Ella Fitzgerald saysYou say eether and I say eyether,
You say neether and I say nyther;
Eether, eyether, neether, nyther,
Let's call the whole thing off!
You like potato and I like potahto,
You like tomato and I like tomahto;
Potato, potahto, tomato, tomahto!
Let's call the whole thing off!
Tony SaysYou say neether and I say nyther;
Eether, eyether, neether, nyther,
Let's call the whole thing off!
You like potato and I like potahto,
You like tomato and I like tomahto;
Potato, potahto, tomato, tomahto!
Let's call the whole thing off!
Alcohol was my drug of no choice.
One Love, One Heart, Jah Bless
One Love, One Heart, Jah Bless
Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Arizona
Posts: 872
I'm an alcoholic.
I have a mental obsession and a physical allergy.
Once alcohol is in my system, it sets off the allergy, which creates a physical phenomenon of craving, causing me to want more and more. So physically, I'm OK if I am separated from alcohol. But, the real problem for alcoholics lies in the mind (obsession/insanity), which tells us we can drink safely, rather than in the body, which assures we cannot.
For me, I'd rather consider myself an alcohlic, and stay sober -- rather the question the fact and be drunk.
Just my 2 cents!
Ken
I have a mental obsession and a physical allergy.
Once alcohol is in my system, it sets off the allergy, which creates a physical phenomenon of craving, causing me to want more and more. So physically, I'm OK if I am separated from alcohol. But, the real problem for alcoholics lies in the mind (obsession/insanity), which tells us we can drink safely, rather than in the body, which assures we cannot.
For me, I'd rather consider myself an alcohlic, and stay sober -- rather the question the fact and be drunk.
Just my 2 cents!
Ken
I also second Ken's thought. I think avoiding the label is just reflecting social stigma.
I do want to address one thing that Andy F shared,namely: "The originating cause is in my attitudes, beliefs, expectations, the false views I hold about myself and others." This of course is a strong tenet of AA and like approaches which attempt to address and correct these attitudes and false views and de-fuse the source of drinking behavior.
I do think following the steps to be invaluable and a path to living fully. However, I no longer think that these psychological factors are the originating cause of alcoholism. I believe that since we alchoholics metabolize alcohol so differently, that the "disease" will express itself for anyone with the gene if exposed to alcohol, which in our society is a certainty. Maybe sooner, maybe later, but eventually the disease will come out. I believe the "underlying cause" is the presense of the gene and the exposure to alcohol. I think the "life troubles" theory to be at times a red hearring.
I know this might sound hertical. But I come to this opinion through my own experience as an alcoholic, the experiences of family members and friends that are alcoholics, and my own study of neuroscience and genetics.
By the way, I also am up in the air about whether to call it a "disease" or not. The alcoholic gene creates a variance in metabolism, that with exposure to alcohol will result in alcoholic behavior. No alcohol, no behavior, no disease. So I think Alcoholism is best described as a gene-driven "Syndrome". Analog: Kleinfelter's syndrome is caused by having an XXY 23rd chromosome, but not all XXY's get Kleinfelter's.
Anythoughts?
I do want to address one thing that Andy F shared,namely: "The originating cause is in my attitudes, beliefs, expectations, the false views I hold about myself and others." This of course is a strong tenet of AA and like approaches which attempt to address and correct these attitudes and false views and de-fuse the source of drinking behavior.
I do think following the steps to be invaluable and a path to living fully. However, I no longer think that these psychological factors are the originating cause of alcoholism. I believe that since we alchoholics metabolize alcohol so differently, that the "disease" will express itself for anyone with the gene if exposed to alcohol, which in our society is a certainty. Maybe sooner, maybe later, but eventually the disease will come out. I believe the "underlying cause" is the presense of the gene and the exposure to alcohol. I think the "life troubles" theory to be at times a red hearring.
I know this might sound hertical. But I come to this opinion through my own experience as an alcoholic, the experiences of family members and friends that are alcoholics, and my own study of neuroscience and genetics.
By the way, I also am up in the air about whether to call it a "disease" or not. The alcoholic gene creates a variance in metabolism, that with exposure to alcohol will result in alcoholic behavior. No alcohol, no behavior, no disease. So I think Alcoholism is best described as a gene-driven "Syndrome". Analog: Kleinfelter's syndrome is caused by having an XXY 23rd chromosome, but not all XXY's get Kleinfelter's.
Anythoughts?
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 8,709
Hi Andrew.
Interesting analogy using Klinefelter's syndrome. I see what you're saying, and the plausibility of it, I think.
My only thought though, would be that as near as I can tell, from what I've read, we are not yet at the stage where we can safely or comfortably identify the alcoholic gene.
At best, the latest science seems to agree that perhaps a combination of genetic predispositions, combined with environmental factors, may offer an answer.
http://www.aaa.dk/TURNER/ENGELSK/KLINEN.HTM
Interesting analogy using Klinefelter's syndrome. I see what you're saying, and the plausibility of it, I think.
My only thought though, would be that as near as I can tell, from what I've read, we are not yet at the stage where we can safely or comfortably identify the alcoholic gene.
At best, the latest science seems to agree that perhaps a combination of genetic predispositions, combined with environmental factors, may offer an answer.
http://www.aaa.dk/TURNER/ENGELSK/KLINEN.HTM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: London
Posts: 448
Originally Posted by AndrewBeen
IAnythoughts?
wiring
Good point, Andy F. Trauma does shape our wiring, especially at an early age. The wiring change can certainly lead one seek chemical solace. The question I have is that if someone abuses alcohol but does not have the THiQ build-up in the brain, are we dealing with a different kind of addiction, a different disease? Is this a meaningful distinction? It may be, if it indicates different paths to health.
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: London
Posts: 448
I don't know Andrew.
I can't remember the study now, but some suppressed children do not, through behaviour, develop an area at the front of the brain related to our ability to control our impulses. This is closely associated to attention deficit disorder and autism. Human beings in their nature are susceptible to addiction. The ability to control impulses would be quite important when taking a drug. And a lack of impulse control, if caused through suppressive parenting would indicate a type of unhelpful upbringing. Now even if there is a grain of truth in this, it probably won't apply to every problematic drinker. I don't think there is a single answer. I don't think we are originally all alcoholics for the same reasons.
I can't remember the study now, but some suppressed children do not, through behaviour, develop an area at the front of the brain related to our ability to control our impulses. This is closely associated to attention deficit disorder and autism. Human beings in their nature are susceptible to addiction. The ability to control impulses would be quite important when taking a drug. And a lack of impulse control, if caused through suppressive parenting would indicate a type of unhelpful upbringing. Now even if there is a grain of truth in this, it probably won't apply to every problematic drinker. I don't think there is a single answer. I don't think we are originally all alcoholics for the same reasons.
I took an alcohol evaluation and was considered a problem drinker. As far as the cravings, I didn't have any cravings or, depency for alcohol. I could on many occasions stop after a few drinks. However, on many occasions, I continued to drink my self into a black out state.
Whatever the case, if it's a problem, it should be dealt with. I'm fortunate to have not gotten to the point many people do with drinking. I still would rather attend the meetings with a desire to not drink and keep it simple.
Whatever the case, if it's a problem, it should be dealt with. I'm fortunate to have not gotten to the point many people do with drinking. I still would rather attend the meetings with a desire to not drink and keep it simple.
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: London
Posts: 53
Hi all
I agree with you AndyF that the problem cannot be categorised. I use the term addiction rather than alcoholism but either one will do fine. I believe it's a condition I have but not one it was born with. I think the unfortunate combination of choices and external factors have given me this condition and that these things probably happended at such a young age that I cannot reverse them. I burned my bridges as it were.
Now though I'm not really sad it happended. I don't think drinking 'normally' is all it's cracked up to be. It only gets it's shiny gloss because we paint the picture because we are so desparate for it to be true,.
Ken - I'm interested in what you say about a physical allergy. I've heard this before and I must say I felt it when I used to drink. My body used to get tired and I had to urinate even more frequently that all the other people drinking. I also get the physical craving when I start which I think is my body telling me to get really drunk because it doesn't like the 'allergic' feeling it got from just one drink
I agree with you AndyF that the problem cannot be categorised. I use the term addiction rather than alcoholism but either one will do fine. I believe it's a condition I have but not one it was born with. I think the unfortunate combination of choices and external factors have given me this condition and that these things probably happended at such a young age that I cannot reverse them. I burned my bridges as it were.
Now though I'm not really sad it happended. I don't think drinking 'normally' is all it's cracked up to be. It only gets it's shiny gloss because we paint the picture because we are so desparate for it to be true,.
Ken - I'm interested in what you say about a physical allergy. I've heard this before and I must say I felt it when I used to drink. My body used to get tired and I had to urinate even more frequently that all the other people drinking. I also get the physical craving when I start which I think is my body telling me to get really drunk because it doesn't like the 'allergic' feeling it got from just one drink
Originally Posted by Lawry
I don't think drinking 'normally' is all it's cracked up to be. It only gets it's shiny gloss because we paint the picture because we are so desparate for it to be true,.
SO WHY THE HECK TO I STILL GO?
Because "all the rest" is part of what keeps me centered, on the beam, and able to explore the other areas of life that I never even considered back when getting drunk was the no size fits any answer to anything and everything.
One Love, One Heart, Jah Bless,
Tony
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: QVB NYC NY
Posts: 620
I'm an alcoholic with an abuse problem, what ever happened to K.I.S.S.?
keep it simple STUPID
does it really matter if we're alchy's or just abusers? either way there is a problem that needs attention. i can socialize and justify anything i want, but it won't change the facts will it? at best it will help me convince myself that it might be different next time!
keep it simple STUPID
does it really matter if we're alchy's or just abusers? either way there is a problem that needs attention. i can socialize and justify anything i want, but it won't change the facts will it? at best it will help me convince myself that it might be different next time!
Alcoholism for this alkie, is when I can not predict, with any certainty, on any given occasion, what will happen to me, once I pick up one drink of alcohol.
Alcohol abuse.... is when alcohol is being abused, and one makes "the choice" to do it again or not do it again.
Alcoholism.... is when alcohol is being abused, and one has lost the ability "to choose" to not abuse alcohol again.
An obsession of the mind is a thought that overcomes all other thoughts, and the physical compulsion is when I put one drink of alcohol into my system, it sets up the compulsion for MORE, and having lost the ability to choose not to drink, I will simply continue to drink, until I am drunk, sick and out of control.
For this alkie, its also a Spiritual loss of values. In denial that I am going against my own personal value system, and everything that I was ever taught about doing the next right thing. As an active alcoholic, I continued to go against my own value system, moving my own personal values... to get to that next drink, and denying the "reality" that I had lost the ability to choose, to not do that.
Alcohol abuse.... is when alcohol is being abused, and one makes "the choice" to do it again or not do it again.
Alcoholism.... is when alcohol is being abused, and one has lost the ability "to choose" to not abuse alcohol again.
An obsession of the mind is a thought that overcomes all other thoughts, and the physical compulsion is when I put one drink of alcohol into my system, it sets up the compulsion for MORE, and having lost the ability to choose not to drink, I will simply continue to drink, until I am drunk, sick and out of control.
For this alkie, its also a Spiritual loss of values. In denial that I am going against my own personal value system, and everything that I was ever taught about doing the next right thing. As an active alcoholic, I continued to go against my own value system, moving my own personal values... to get to that next drink, and denying the "reality" that I had lost the ability to choose, to not do that.
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: QVB NYC NY
Posts: 620
sounds like a lays potato chip commercial patsy, "betchya just can't eat one!"
i am whole heartedly entertained and constantly laugh my glutious off when i read these studies on alcoholics, alcoholism, and alcohol abuse.
this is how i keep it simple.........
drinking alcohol caused problems in my life and kept me from dealing with non alcohol related problems. there in lies the abuse!
admitting i am an alcoholic helps me not to abuse alcohol and deal with my fecal excrements!
people can study and classify all they want, being an alcoholic is a personal decision.
because i chose to adress my problem as alcoholism, and refer to myself as an alcoholic i now have the choice to drink or not to drink.
if i someday choose to drink i will again be an abuser of alcohol, but for today i am an alcoholic
i am whole heartedly entertained and constantly laugh my glutious off when i read these studies on alcoholics, alcoholism, and alcohol abuse.
this is how i keep it simple.........
drinking alcohol caused problems in my life and kept me from dealing with non alcohol related problems. there in lies the abuse!
admitting i am an alcoholic helps me not to abuse alcohol and deal with my fecal excrements!
people can study and classify all they want, being an alcoholic is a personal decision.
because i chose to adress my problem as alcoholism, and refer to myself as an alcoholic i now have the choice to drink or not to drink.
if i someday choose to drink i will again be an abuser of alcohol, but for today i am an alcoholic
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