For A Better Life
Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol Addiction & Recovery
What does Alcoholism Mean?
Alcoholism does not mean that you are weak willed or bad, it is a disease. It has both chemical (alcohol effects the brain in different ways) and biological factors (a tendency towards alcoholism can also be genetic). It is progressive, chronic (it will not go away by itself) and be possibly fatal.
Alcoholisim
Alcoholism is diagnosed if at least three out of seven of the following criteria manifest themselves in a 12 month period:
- Tolerance. This means that you require increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication, or that the same amount of alcohol as a much smaller effect.
- Withdrawal. This means that withdrawal syndrome takes place after drinking, and/or a closely related substance (e.g. a pain killer) is taken to relieve these symptoms. Like painkillers for a hangover.
- More alcohol is often taken over a longer period than was planned.
- A large amount of time is spent obtaining alcohol, using alcohol or recover from its effects.
- Important events are ignored or given up because of alcohol.
- The alcohol use continues despite knowing of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is made worse by drinking.
- There is a persistent desire to cut down, or control alcohol use. But is rarely successful.
An alcoholic cannot stop drinking on their own through sheer will power or by being prevented access to alcohol. The obsession and compulsion to drink are so strong that nothing will stand in the alcoholic’s way. Life, Friends, Jobs, and well-being will be aside until the point that the alcoholic is willing to accept that they have a problem and seeks help.
Denial
The reason that Alcoholics Anonymous is so helpful in supporting recovery is because it creates a place where the alcoholic is reminded of their own denial, and can commit to sobriety on a daily basis. Recovery provides you and your family with the opportunity for sobriety and then for a wide range of coping mechanisms and tools to be added to your life that assist you with maintaining sobriety.
How do you know if you have a problem?
- Do other people ever criticize your drinking, or have you been annoyed by it?
- Do you ever feel bad or guilty about your drinking?
- Do you feel that you should cut down on your drinking?
- Do you ever do things while you are using alcohol that you regret or that made you feel ashamed?
- Do you ever use alcohol or drugs first thing in the morning to feel better, or to get rid of a hangover?
- Do you ever use alcohol in larger quantities than you intended?
- Do you ever use alcohol more often than you intended?
- Have you ever tried to cut down or control your use but found that you are not able to?
- Do you spend a lot of time getting ready to use alcohol, using, or recovering from using alcohol?
- Have you ever failed to meet a major life responsibility because you were intoxicated, hung over, or in withdrawal?
About us
Place of Serenity offers a peaceful and healing atmosphere in which to recover from addiction, and the expertise of all staff members is surpassed only by their dedication to providing care. The needs of every man and woman who chooses to recover in a supportive environment at Place of Serenity are identified, addressed, and effectively treated, and as they navigate the way to lasting sobriety.
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