When we try to recover from addiction and can’t.

 

When we want to stop and are unable.

 

When we’ve tried to figure out the underlying emotional problems. And aren’t any further forward.

What’s next?

 

There are those among us who say the right things, and have all the conscious-level enthusiasm about alcoholism recovery, but are never able to fully resolve it.

 

I’m speaking here of those of us who’ve tried 90 meetings in 90 days, who’ve been detoxed via local services…..some who’ve even been in specialist clinics, and feel no further forward.

I’m talking here about things far beyond the physical or chemical treatment for alcoholism.

 

Is it me? Is it a lifestyle thing? Is it enabling? Is it social peers?

Usually, it’s all of the above.

 

While listening to 100 people tell 100 stories can shed *some* light on our alcoholic patterns, does it really help us actively address them?

Bring to light the full pattern of dysfunction that’s been fuelling the addiction?

 

Listen, how to help an alcoholic is difficult. Let’s be honest.

In some ways, this is “emotional surgery” we’re speaking about.

 

Being able to pinpoint the precise mechanisms of addiction, the reasons why, the reasons peculiar and specific to us, as individuals. Specific to our past, our history, our traumatic events, our upbringing. It’s difficult. Especially if undergoing alcohol withdrawal symptoms in the uk.

But this is a lifelong commitment. It’s a lifelong process. We have to accept this. It’s understanding that as alcoholics, we’re ok, even though there is much, much work left to do still.

 

But we can do that more easily, with the understanding and support of our peers. We can find our path toward self-acceptance, that much more easily, with their insight, patience, and understanding.

It’s cliché, but it IS a journey.

 

When we’ve been along the road many times, it can be disheartening.

When we’ve tried to understand the patterns, and – seemingly – failed – it can feel hopeless. When we’ve had multiple bites at the alcoholic cherry.

 

But normally there’s an element we’ve not yet uncovered. An aspect of alcoholism that has been doing something for us – helping us achieve something – enabling us to cope with something, or some feeling, that we’ve believed we can’t achieve by any other means.

Of course, that belief is wrong, and it’s only developed since we had a few “positive” experiences with alcohol.

 

Part of us believes there is the way to cope without alcohol but we’ve already had enough experiences to conclude, ‘this is the way to cope’.

If you can find your way to these aspects – these reasons why – this is where the gold is buried.

 

Bringing it out into the light, is then so much easier. And the light reveals the truth -about you, about the pattern, and the keys to undoing it all.

Speak soon.