The Alcohol Problem.
Society deems it acceptable and often encourages the consumption, think of the word “celebration” and what activity comes to mind. Champagne? a few beers? a bottle or two of wine?
Its all considered to be socially acceptable, “oh he’s had a few” and other such jovial spurts.
For someone who uses alcohol to “switch off”, “cope” or “release” to actually opt out the socially acceptable convention, and all the pleasure & pain that comes with it, immediately causes feelings of disconnection from society, from joyous participation, feelings of self guilt, weakness, angst and isolation often occur.
A common approach taken to find a resolution is substitution, for example:
“I’ll find a new distraction”
“I’ll do a spot of DIY”
“I’ll do something creative”
“I’m going to improve myself through learning, I’ll read more”
“I’ll go to the gym more, I’ll get fitter”
But if you think that a substitution activity alone is going to do the trick, then you’re wrong.
You should give up drink, you have a problem with it, its not an easy thing to accept…
how could it be? after all, society says its fine to have a drink, why should you have a problem?
“down in one”
Alcohol is…
All drugs have their uses,
The Alcohol Drug is commonly used as a cleaning fluid or as a popular recreational drug.
It’s a drug, pure and simple, its up there with speed, coke, heroin, crack or meth.
It’s just regulated and taxed, and in many cases its considerably more harmful.
(you’ve probably seen this graph before?)
GLOSSARY
– Benzodiazepines: Wide-ranging class of prescription tranquilisers
– Buprenorphine: Opioid drug used in treatment of opiate addiction
– 4-MTA: Amphetamine derivative sold as ‘flatliners’ and ecstasy
– Methylphenidate: Amphetamine-like drug used to treat ADHD
– Alkyl nitrites: Stimulant often called amyl nitrites or ‘poppers’
So its more harmful than many other drugs, its actually up there with Heroin and the other really life fuxking drugs.
So what’s best?
Quit, just stop drinking… (yes, that simple)
It WILL be a torment,
you WILL crave it,
you WILL want it,
you WILL fancy “just one”
you WILL fail.
But failure is not final, it is very important to understand that.
[list]Don’t judge yourself on your failings, rather judge yourself upon your continued resolve.[/list]
Its a tired old saying but its true: one day at a time for the rest of your life.
Alcohol takes more than it ever gives, it destroys people, it destroys families, it destroys lives.
It’s only your choice, it is not an easy road to walk down, but you don’t walk it alone.
From personal experience:
I got booze out of my life at the start of this year, I’m very pleased with it.
It is hell, I want to drink, I could every day, why?
Because I am in love with the Alcohol drug.
But the Alcohol drug is a dysfunctional selfish lover;
A lover that I no longer wish to share my life with now or anymore.
So what’s it like?
Well being in a band means I am often in pubs, clubs, festivals, rehearsals, parties, etc and it was that aspect of my life that caused me to worry, it seemed like it would be so easy to fall off the wagon at any time. But as time has progressed, and the cost of booze has increased (to its now almost joy killing levels!) I’ve been pleasantly surprised at just how many people don’t actually drink booze when they are out, shitloads! Yes its still there, always there, “can I get you a drink” or worse still when someone puts a full, ice cold pint in front of you. But **** it, I don’t need booze, I don’t need a substitute, It just takes balls and faith in yourself, that you can be better sober than you were drunk.
Its easy to live inside drink, it makes everything easier to ignore.
But its far more rewarding to have a great life, with the same kind of fun, but sober.
And as for how to do it? here’s what I did:
Drank the house dry.
Quit drink.
Stayed in, watched a lot of DVD’s, smoked pot.
Read a lot more, I objectively learnt about Faith & Religion, enjoyed a few novels.
Fell of the wagon, the next day I got back on.
Wrote music, songs and prepared for up coming gigs
Worked every day, Threw myself into it.
Suffered 3 subjugated ribs & agonizing back pain.
Built a couple of websites.
Did a spot of decorating.
Trolled a few websites.
Rode my bike.
Helped a friend out with some graphic design work.
Went shopping.
Played on the xbox.
Cooked nice food. (buy those tiny wine bottles for cooking)
Drank lots of Becks Blue.
Had the odd smoke now and then.
Have not yet quit the cigarettes.
But one thing, one day, at a time.
I hope that helps, keep busy and keep at it. good luck, whatever you choose to do. 🙂