The Ignorance Towards Alcoholism – The Most Misunderstood Disease of All.
When alcoholics in recovery experience a relapse after achieving a period of sobriety, it often leaves their families bewildered, once again surrounded by the familiar insanity of alcoholism.
Why Did He Relapse?
The first question that arises among family, friends, and colleagues is:
WHY? Why did he resume drinking?
In the aftermath, those closest to the individual quickly fall into the familiar pattern of misguided speculation, offering up a litany of reasons such as:
– He didn’t want his sobriety enough!
– He didn’t refer to his relapse prevention check-list enough.
– He has been under too much pressure.
– His environment is not conducive to his recovery.
– His marriage is rocky.
– He needs to attend church more frequently.
– His girlfriend is not a good influence.
– He needs a more tranquil atmosphere at work and at home.
– He must avoid his triggers.
– He is drinking as a means to forget.
– He doesn’t want it badly enough.
– His friends are leading him astray.
– He should steer clear of his usual drinking spots (just as addicts should avoid their dealers).
The catalog of misguided theories about relapse is virtually endless, often failing to address the underlying reasons for the setback—nothing could be farther from the truth.
In recognizing these misperceptions, it becomes crucial to shift the focus from attributing blame to understanding the complexities of addiction and recovery. Only then can we hope to foster genuine support and create an environment conducive to lasting recovery.
Understanding the Root Problem of Alcoholism
The core issue faced by an alcoholic resides within their mind, rather than in their environment, tumultuous relationships, or high-pressure jobs.
While it’s true that various factors may influence an alcoholic’s behavior, the singular reason they initially turn to drinking stems from an internal struggle—specifically, a mental problem that is entirely independent of external influences.
To illustrate this mental dilemma, consider a common misconception often cited as a reason for relapse:
“He had been under too much pressure; he must have gone back to drinking to forget.”
In reality, the alcoholic is not drinking to escape stress or pressure, regardless of its intensity. Instead, the act of drinking is a misguided attempt to quell a mental obsession that the individual feels powerless to combat. The only thing that can momentarily alleviate this obsession is alcohol—nothing else suffices. This reflects an internal dilemma, rather than an external one. Even if an alcoholic were placed in an ideal environment, with all their needs met and a life resembling a utopia, they would still find themselves compelled to drink in order to manage their internal struggle with this obsessive mindset.
Attempting to resolve the internal issues of an alcoholic through external solutions is futile—completely impossible. Ironically, the alcoholic tries to address this internal problem each time they consume alcohol, mistakenly perceiving it as an external solution.
The Insane and Futile Remedies for Alcoholism
Below is a list of common misguided external solutions often suggested for those struggling with alcoholism:
– Referring to a relapse prevention check-list (Of absolutely no use when the alcoholic has the obsession to drink).
– Change of environment (often referred to as a ‘geographic cure’).
– Begin medication.
– Start an exercise regimen at the gym.
– Adopt a healthy diet.
– Alter your social circle.
– Attend therapy sessions.
– Switch jobs.
– Seek a more compatible partner.
– Maintain a positive mindset.
– Engage in daily affirmations.
– Explore self-help literature.
– Spend time in nature regularly.
– Practice yoga.
– Listen to inspirational podcasts.
– Volunteer in your community.
– Occasionally attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings.
Yet, this list is as endless as it is futile; these remedies provide no genuine solution to the deep-seated obsession that accompanies alcoholism.
The tragic irony is that many individuals—including so-called professionals—continue to endorse or implement these ineffective strategies as solutions for alcoholism, often with little to no positive outcomes.
The True Solution for the Mental Obsession
The one and ONLY solution for the mental obsession experienced by alcoholics— the compulsion that leads them to take that first drink—is that the obsession MUST be REMOVED and kept away!
This can only be accomplished through an INTERNAL solution.
The internal solution required is clear: a complete psychic change must occur within the alcoholic if there is to be any hope for recovery. This psychic transformation can only arise through a spiritual experience and the ongoing pursuit of such experiences, which result from thoroughly engaging with the 12-Step program.
As the individual works through the steps, a spiritual awakening manifests, ultimately removing the obsession to consume alcohol. However, it is crucial for this spiritual experience to be nurtured each day for the remainder of the alcoholic’s life. This demands a consistent application of the principles learned and a commitment to actively support other alcoholics through persistent efforts.
Anything less than this dedication is bound to face failure.
The Obsession of The Mind
The alcoholic does not merely suffer from a mental craving for alcohol; rather, they grapple with a mental disorder characterized by the obsession of the mind, which compels them to drink in a desperate attempt to alleviate their fixation.
The craving experienced by the alcoholic is primarily physical and only emerges once the first drink is consumed. Before that point, the craving does not exist. After taking that initial drink, the physical craving kicks in, compelling the alcoholic to continue drinking to satisfy this urge, which only alcohol can fulfill. This dynamic underscores the fundamental reason why an alcoholic often finds themselves unable to control their consumption.
At Get High On Life Recovery Retreat we show alcoholics precisely how to recover from the hopeless state of mind and body they currently exist in. We ensure all our clients become competent practitioners of the principles that will prevent them from drinking again.
Paul Nobes – Author
