simplyred
New Member
I tend to believe the disease isn't with alcohol. Sure it has physical withdrawal symptoms but I think the real issues are mental.
I have never known an "alcoholic" that didn't have deep rooted psychological issues and found an escape in alcohol. And when the alcohol becomes a problem they are either unable or unwilling to let go of their escape because it's the only thing they understand or the only thing that makes them feel better. The problem is is that they get help for the alcohol but not the underlying issue and they never truly recover.
It's the old band-aid on the bullet hole
I can send you the documentation and brain scans proving that it is just as much a disease as bipolar, or depression, etc. True most people find this an escape, haven't most of us taken a drink to escape from time to time? With the disease of alcoholism the nuero receptors do not continue to produce what they need to function properly. Therefore, the PT needs more and more of the substance to continue to function. Hence "cravings". I realize that most of us feel that putting down the bottle is just the logical answer rather than ruining our lives. It is my belief that compassion for such individuals is the answer. Espically when they are resident in your life. It is quite often that compassion that gives them the confidence they need to face the fear of life and their disease to get help.
Don't get me wrong, I think none of this is any excuse to get behind the wheel of a car and put others at risk. Excuses aside I am saying I can see where it happens. I tend to agree with the laws that have been set forth in my state of immediate jail time, attendance of MADD meetings, etc. I don't agree with the loss of job ect. because the family members of an addict have suffered enough in day to day life without wondering when the lights are getting turned off or where the next gallon of milk is coming from.