Alcoholism Support Group

Alcoholism is the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages, even when it is negatively affecting your health, work, relationships and life. If you think alcohol is causing you to lose control, it's time to seek help. Our group is a safe place to vent, check in, get back up if you fall, and reach sobriety.

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A few thoughts on the Doctor's Opinion from AA

FredrickShurmers
FredrickShurmers

I use AA to help with my alcoholism.  AA begins it's education of what alcoholism is, to it's audience, by asking the person interested in the subject to consider some things in the Doctor's Opinion.  The Doctor's Opinion is at the beginning of the book.  One of the most important portions of that writing is the suggestion that alcoholics have sick or abnormal bodies, when it comes to alcohol consumption.  The idea that alcoholics, change or have a reaction physically on the inside, that enables a strange experience of craving more, is something I personally think will help a great deal if struggling with alcoholism or with a loved one with alcoholism.  The Doctors Opinion says this factor not considered might make the understanding of the person and the illness, incomplete.  Ever since I was able to understand that when I drink alcohol, I will want more, through craving, beyond control, kind of like an involuntary compulsion, understanding what and why I needed to treat my alcoholism become much more easier. 


 

finallyawakenow
finallyawakenow
I'm not sure this is the right way to look at it for me. When I quit I knew it had to be for good and didn't have a problem with craving alcohol. What happened next surprised me. For a year I couldn't get enough baked treats or sex. What that showed me was that I was simply trading one compulsion for another. The real issue (for me) was learning how to be comfortable in myself without any outside things to fill me. What broke this habit cycle for me was walking in nature. Still is my happy place. I'm able to breathe, relax and know that I don't need anything because I'm not separate from everything. The mindset that I was a lonely island is what kept me trapped in those involuntary compulsions. The fear that I wouldn't have enough for myself. In that ego fear MORE is the only option.
So I think it's the mind that's sick, or abnormal although most people have this to some extent. For me it is a mental health issue. Although when I was drinking everyday my body was certainly addicted and wanted to keep the poison level in my blood consistent. Just like nicotine, caffeine, heroin.....
I was lucky that I was able to accept that I can never drink again. The sober journey hasn't been about alcohol at all but in being honest with myself about why I have insecurities and low self esteem. Coming to know my essential nature is what heals and allows an ease of being to come to the surface. The ease of living that I habitually resisted for so long.