Normally an introduction outlines the
objective of a series and then the articles
proceed to elaborate on the more
significant points that are to be made.
However, since most drunks do not listen,
can not listen, do not know how to listen,
the last article in this series will provide a
recap of the previous articles and
re-emphasize, stress, and highlight the
more important suggestions on how to
educate a drunk.
Alcoholism and addiction are a disease
that has a negative social stigma attached to
them, therefore, very little money is spent
in research to find a cause or cure for the disease, nor is social program/insurance money
spent to provide treatment for the affected.
Treatment is restricted to the very rich or those who are fortunate enough to have insurance coverage.
Treatment covered by insurance is usually limited to 28 days or less, barely enough time to detoxify the drunk, and definitely not enough time to change the behaviors to a level where long term sobriety can be expected.
Currently the most optimistic of statistics indicate that roughly 25% of patients treated at the most prestigious recovery centers will stay drink free and sober for one year.
The pessimist in Alcoholics Anonymous, those who have been around for some time, will estimate that of all alcoholics who seek recovery by any method, only 5 to 15% will achieve long term sobriety.
It is estimated that 10% of the world’s population is affected by the disease of addictive thinking. The
disease not only includes alcoholism but also drug addiction, (street as well as prescribed), anorexia,
bulimia, obesity, sex, gambling, work, spending, or any obsessive-compulsive behavior that impairs
the physical and/or mental health of those affected.
disease not only includes alcoholism but also drug addiction, (street as well as prescribed), anorexia,
bulimia, obesity, sex, gambling, work, spending, or any obsessive-compulsive behavior that impairs
the physical and/or mental health of those affected.
In the United States
Incarceration is not a form of treatment.
Very, very, few county or state correctional institutions provide treatment for addictive thinking.
They, the elected officials, the administration, the employers, the for profit insurance companies rarely care, they do not understand, nor do they want to understand and above all, the budget cannot be justified to warrant the expenditure.
As was noted in every preceding article, the cardinal issue in recovery is;
“If the affected does not want to change, nothing will change.”
When an affected person seeks to change their physical and mental condition they may voluntarily request help. Some affected are persuaded to seek treatment by family, the courts or the Doctor who is treating associated symptoms. For whatever the reason or circumstance, when a person arrives in treatment, the ride, the journey, the experience will be unique. Everyone in this world is different and treatment for every alcoholic/addict must be different, custom made to fit the individual’s sick mind.
Alcoholism is a fatal disease; alcohol poisoning or detoxification (withdrawal) can be fatal. Detoxification outside of a medical center must be closely monitored and if the affected should experience physical difficulties a plan should be in place to seek immediate medical assistance. Even better, seek a medical evaluation before the drying out process is started.
Alcoholism is a family disease. When an affected alcoholic/addict decides to stop drinking or drugging the family needs to be involved in the development of a recovery program. In many cases the family may have to revise their own program of living because they too will need to adapt to living a different lifestyle.
Honesty, Open minded, and Willingness, are HOW it works.
Getting an alcoholic to be honest is often a difficult, long and tedious process.
The family can help the therapist by providing their perspective of the alcoholic’s behaviors.
Open minded acceptance of the truths that will be exposed during early recovery will be required
of both the alcoholic/addict and those they affected.
History can be an ugly enemy of the sick.
There are many people who could be rich if they had one dollar for every time they said,
“I can’t believe you did that.”
The addict/alcoholic will never be rich because he spent all the families’ money on drugs, alcohol,
lawyers, auto repairs, fines, rehabs, etc, and he will believe he did whatever you said he did,
because he can’t remember.
It is a miracle.
When the recovered no longer have the physical compulsion to drink or drug and the mental obsession to drink or drug has been lifted, it is the first small miracle in the recovery journey.
(The first two stages of the six stage model of recovery.)
When the brain of the affected begins to work again, the need for change is put into a new plan for daily living. A program for living is developed, one that does without the excuses, the need to stuff feelings, and other bad habits that were a part of the addictive lifestyle.
The wreckage of the past is identified and responsibly disposed of by making a list of negative feelings and moral lapses and sharing them with another person and with a newly found Higher Power.
(The third stage of the six stage model of recovery.)
As the recovering alcoholic/addict enters the middle recovery stage they make amends
for past indiscretions and develop a normal balanced lifestyle.
Attendance at many meetings or therapy or both and having a sponsor are strongly suggested.
Change is still an integral part of the drunk’s lives as good new habits are slowly developed.
(The fourth stage of the recovery model.)
The late recovery stage is identified by the work that is done to identify family of origin issues and inner child perceptions that contributed to the denial system of the alcoholic/addict. In this article there was also a short discussion of partial recovery. Not included in the body of this work are abandonment issues that are common, real and/or perceived, in the lives of many addicts/alcoholics. There are many studies and more than a few books which cover this issue and this outline could not do justice to the implications that abandonment has on the psyche of the addictive personality.
Professional help is highly recommended for the individual with strong abandonment issues.
(The fifth stage of the six stage model of recovery.)
The final stage of the six stage model of recovery is the Maintenance Stage.
At this point in recovery the life of the recovered person is not focused on the work of establishing a new lifestyle but rather it is on the enjoyment that the new lifestyle offers. The outline for daily living has been replaced with good habits that are no longer work but are a joy to experience.
There are friends at meetings who care about their well being.
The addict/alcoholic no longer drives like Mario Andretti, flipping birds, cutting people off, or being a menace to society. They no longer have to think about not going to liquor stores, the beer aisle in the
grocery store, bars, clubs and old neighborhoods, they just don’t go there.
Prayer and meditation are a routine, not a place to hide during emergencies.
Most have learned that if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
They learn that constructive criticism can lead to wonderful changes in attitudes.
They have established methods to monitor for relapse warning signs, to cope with stuck points in recovery and to continue to grow and develop in all areas of life.
Spiritual retreats, AA conventions and conferences and any number of learning experiences are used for enjoyment as well as to provide benefits for developing a better lifestyle.
The alcoholic/addict who has reached this stage of recovery knows
that a Higher Power has given them the chance, and they have made the choice, to live life
"one day at a time", and to be of good service to self, others and their Higher Power.
"one day at a time", and to be of good service to self, others and their Higher Power.
If you don’t pick up the first drink, you will not get drunk.
Happiness is helping someone help themselves.
Michael_e
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