Five inspiring
reasons why we need to face our problems on
Alcoholism By Meira Pentermann
Everyone faces obstacles. They come in many forms – financial struggles, physical limitations, abusive partners, painful memories, and destructive habits. Stewing in resentment or living in denial is poisonous. We cease to live a free life, and we are shackled by anger, fear, or substance abuse.
I
have been speaking in vague generalities thus far, and I think it will be more
useful to focus on one issue. Those who share this problem will be able to
relate.
I’ll
be frank to get the conversation started. I have struggled with alcohol on and
off since I was sixteen. It is difficult to describe the waste and destruction
caused by alcoholism to someone who has not experienced it (either in their own
life or through someone they love), but I think the issue affects enough people
to make this a worthwhile discussion. If you’ve been toying with the idea that
you may have a problem with alcohol, here are five reasons to consider making
some changes.
1.
Your health. Heavy drinking damages the body. That should come as no surprise
to anyone. The esophagus, liver, stomach, pancreas, heart, and brain are
affected. People often die from alcoholism, and it is not a die-in-your-sleep,
easy kind of death. It is often slow and painful like throat cancer or liver
disease. If you are deeply addicted, you may battle depression and self-hatred.
Death may sound like a way out. Drinking may temporarily ease the pain, but the
alcohol actually contributes to anxiety and depression, so it is a cycle which
cannot be broken if you do not put down the next drink.
2.
Your finances. Newly sober people love to do the math. X number of dollars per
week spent on alcohol, times fifty-two weeks. It’s an easy calculation and it speaks
for itself. You might instead buy a new wardrobe or a big screen television. Perhaps
you could put away some money in the kid’s college fund, or even take a few
classes yourself. New possibilities.
3.
Your family and friends. They have been pleading and bargaining with you. They
may be angry and frustrated or crying themselves to sleep. They are devastated
by the waste of your potential, and they can be emotional traumatized by your
behavior. If they interfere with your drinking, you have neglected or insulted
them. The good news is they will be overjoyed when they see you in recovery.
Don’t expect miracles overnight. They may tread cautiously at first. Trust must
be earned. But those relationships will heal over time, and healthy
relationships are a rewarding part of life.
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4. Freedom.
All this moralizing and finger pointing isn’t very inspiring. That little demon
on your shoulder may say, “This is bull crap. What’s in it for you?” One of my
favorite AA idioms is happy, joyous, and
free. I didn’t get it at first, but when the baggage drops away your spirit
lightens. It’s not just about getting healthy, having more money in your
pocket, or appeasing your relatives. It is about the joy life has to offer. It
is about freedom. Once you taste that freedom, you’ll never want to turn back.
Tell them oooo. Them drunkards need to read this post in order to do something meaningful with their money and time they spend in taking alcohol. Nice post, Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteAlcohol is not bad but over indulgence is not right. For I prefer to stay clear off. I enjoy good health which is more important that whatever euphoria alcohol may brings.
ReplyDelete