Alcoholism:
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Alcoholism: A Widespread Problem
For most people who drink, alcohol is a pleasant accompaniment to social activities. Moderate alcohol use—up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and older people—is not harmful for most adults. (A standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle or can of either beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.) Nonetheless, a large number of people get into serious trouble because of their drinking. Currently, nearly 14 million Americans—1 in every 13 adults—abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. Several million more adults engage in risky drinking that could lead to alcohol problems. These patterns include binge drinking and heavy drinking on a regular basis. In addition, 53 percent of men and women in the United States report that one or more of their close relatives have a drinking problem.
The consequences of alcohol misuse are serious—in many cases, life threatening. Heavy drinking can increase the risk for certain cancers, especially those of the liver, esophagus, throat, and larynx (voice box). Heavy drinking can also cause liver cirrhosis, immune system problems, brain damage, and harm to the fetus during pregnancy. In addition, drinking increases the risk of death from automobile crashes as well as recreational and on-the-job injuries. Furthermore, both homicides and suicides are more likely to be committed by persons who have been drinking. In purely economic terms, alcohol-related problems cost society approximately $185 billion per year. In human terms, the costs cannot be calculated.
Alcoholism, also known as “alcohol dependence,” is a disease that includes four symptoms:
- Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.
- Loss of control: The inability to limit one's drinking on any given occasion.
- Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking.
- Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to “get high.”
People who are not alcoholic sometimes do not understand why an alcoholic can't just “use a little willpower” to stop drinking. However, alcoholism has little to do with willpower. Alcoholics are in the grip of a powerful “craving,” or uncontrollable need, for alcohol that overrides their ability to stop drinking. This need can be as strong as the need for food or water.
Although some people are able to recover from alcoholism without help, the majority of alcoholics need assistance. With treatment and support, many individuals are able to stop drinking and rebuild their lives.
Many people wonder why some individuals can use alcohol without problems but others cannot. One important reason has to do with genetics. Scientists have found that having an alcoholic family member makes it more likely that if you choose to drink you too may develop alcoholism. Genes, however, are not the whole story. In fact, scientists now believe that certain factors in a person's environment influence whether a person with a genetic risk for alcoholism ever develops the disease. A person's risk for developing alcoholism can increase based on the person's environment, including where and how he or she lives; family, friends, and culture; peer pressure; and even how easy it is to get alcohol.
Alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism in that it does not include an extremely strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking, or physical dependence. Alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that results in one or more of the following situations within a 12-month period:
- Failure to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities
- Drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, such as while driving a car or operating machinery
- Having recurring alcohol-related legal problems, such as being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or for physically hurting someone while drunk
- Continued drinking despite having ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by the drinking. Although alcohol abuse is basically different from alcoholism, many effects of alcohol abuse are also experienced by alcoholics.
Average annual deaths per 100,000 population from causes with explicit mention of alcohol by county, United States, 1986-90
Source: Stinson, F.S., and Proudfit, A.H., County Alcohol Problem Indicators. U.S. Alcohol Epidemiologic Data Reference Manual. Volume 3, Fourth Edition. Rockville, MD: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, July 1994. 145 p.
Psalms 31:1-8
In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth. I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the Lord. I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.
Psalms 118:5
In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free.
Psalms 146:5-10
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them-- the Lord, who remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord.
John 8:32
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
The Transformation of Craig Graham
"You are a new creation in the making. You are not your own, you have been bought with the price of Christ's sacrifice for you."
I can really relate to that message today. After my ex-wife left me 18 years ago I was in real pain and deeply hurt. I had a nice paying job, a 3 year old son and a 9 month old daughter, a new car and was in the process of purchasing our first home.
My wife started to take drugs and her supplier was my neighbor. She changed so much that I did not know this woman anymore. Then it all came down around me. My neighbor influenced my ex-wife, the end result was divorce. I lost the things that mattered to me most in my life---my family which included a son and my daughter. I felt totally hopeless and thought I was cheated out of a family, but instead of turning to God I turned to the bottle. At that time it seemed like that was the only thing that would cure my pain....boy was I wrong! All it did was make things much worse. I lost jobs, friends, and family and I was surely dying a slow death.
I was slowly dying from my addiction to alcohol. In my hangover one morning I was thinking about what my funeral would be like. I barely existed in a camp trailer with no water or electricity. My thoughts of dying and what the funeral would be like was devastating. I thought of how people would describe me, "at least he will not suffer anymore," and that disturbed me. I did not want go out that way. My life was further complicated by an injury related to my addiction, which left me permanently partially paralyzed and in need of walker assistance. I was desperate and finally looking for a way out....I soon found help with a few friends, and they got me into a transition house. There I could bathe and eat. I also had Bible studies 3 times a week and church on Sundays. I was keeping sober and I liked it. I realized my need for a Savior and accepted the Lord into my life. It was like a miracle that is very hard to explain; all I know is that I had a new outlook on God, myself, and others and a lot of catching up to do.
A caring businessman came to our transition house and helped me by taking me to places that always made me feel good; it was like someone dragging me along the way to discover that God and people cared about me. I became a part of a weekly discipleship group and learned more about what it means to get to know and love God and one another. The friendships, prayers and accountability have helped me to grow so now I am more focused on helping others than on meeting my own needs. This has brought great joy to me.
After I was sober for a year and learning more of what it means to be a true disciple of Christ, I knew I had to do a lot of the things I should have been doing 20 years ago. Without Christ and his leadership I do not know what would have happened. I now have my own place, my own peace, my own freedom. I'm going to Shasta College maintaining a 4.0 grade average in business. I also volunteered to serve Restoration Enterprises and the Y.M.C.A. Currently I receive between 3-6 phone calls a week from people I knew in my early recovery; it keeps me accountable and strong. Now I can help people to discover that there can be a new life and hope with Christ.
I have found freedom. Once I was a hopeless alcoholic and now I am filled with hope and have a future. The deceit of the devil, the bitterness, anger and guilt that held me in bondage are no more. Forgetting and forgiving are a hard thing for me to do...I can forgive, but forgetting is hard. It is a good reminder of God's saving grace. Christ has made me a new man since I chose his path. My path had too many switch-backs in it and I never want to go back there. It was hell on earth.
I have a future now and it gets better all the time. Trusting my Savior and being patient has been a truly rewarding experience. I now have hope instead of despair. I have an awesome Savior that freed me to see this come true in my life and I like it. I am no longer concerned whether people judge me; I know who I am in Christ. I know that I am a new creation and that I am loved by my Savior.
-Craig Graham
Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism, get help now. There are groups and resources all over the nation that offer assistance on the road to sobriety. But remember, sobriety is not the destination; Freedom is. Sobriety enables you to live a normal and healthy life, however, you will still live in bondage to the cravings unless you find Freedom, the kind of Freedom that can be found in Christ alone. "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" -John 8:36
If you have questions or comments or would like assistance finding help near you, please contact us and we will do our best to direct you to freedom from alcoholism and Freedom in Christ Jesus.
Resources
SoberRecovery.com
SoberRecovery.com is now in it's 7th year of helping addicts, alcoholics, dual diagnosed, their friends family and loved ones find hope...and help. Before we were addicts, before we were overeaters, bi-polar, alcoholic or codependent-we are your sons, daughters, husbands, wives friends and family members.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous® is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
Focus on the Family
"It Would Never Happen to Us" - "If you love an Alcoholic" -"Drug Proofing Your Home" - "Parental involvement leads to a decline in drug use" and more...