Understanding Alcoholism: A Battle Beyond the Bottle
Often, there is a common misconception that alcoholics actually want to drink alcohol. However, this is far from the truth. Alcoholics do not want to drink; they simply have to — it’s an intrinsic necessity, not a choice.
Their desire to consume alcohol has nothing to do with the amount of alcohol you personally enjoy, how long you’ve been drinking, or how high your alcohol tolerance is. Such factors are irrelevant to an alcoholic’s struggle.
The Dependency Factor
Alcoholism goes beyond mere consumption; it digs its claws deep into the realms of emotional and physical dependency. An alcoholic needs alcohol in their system to function, much like we depend on the clothes we wear to keep warm.
This dependency is so profound that without alcohol, an alcoholic fails to process thoughts, emotions, and even basic actions. The misunderstanding here is akin to someone assuming they’re an alcoholic because they like alcohol a lot or have been drinking their whole life. It’s not about the amount of alcohol consumed but the dependency on it.
Practicing Alcoholic Behavior: A Worsening Situation
Interestingly, if you’re not dependent but still indulge in excessive drinking, you’re practicing alcoholic behavior — a situation that, in my opinion, is worse. This behavior can easily slide into dependency and eventually alcoholism if not checked. Beyond Sober offers various resources and support to prevent this slide from casual drinking to dependency.
Why the Need for a Paradigm Shift
Recognizing and accepting that an alcoholic’s need for alcohol is beyond their control is a crucial step towards helping them. This understanding can form the basis for more effective intervention strategies and provide the much-needed support for those wrestling with alcoholism. The conversation around alcoholism needs to shift from blame to understanding and empathy.
Finding Help and Support
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, remember, you’re not alone. There are numerous channels of support available to you, including websites like Sober Not Sober, that offer help and aid in navigating the journey to sobriety.
