Alcoholism is a UNIQUE DISEASE in that it is two fold. We have a physical allergy which ensures that each and every time we put alcohol into our system, we'll get sick, we'll get drunk, we'll get into all kinds of trouble. But more importantly we have a mental obsession which ensures that even though we don't want to drink, sooner or later our mind will tell us it's ok, we'll put the alcohol into our system, we'll trigger the physical allergy and we'll get drunk again.
Dr. Silkworth, the chief medical benefactor of AA suggests that the thought process of the mind has to be transformed. The thought process of the mind of an alcoholic must have a psychic change, and this change is essential and must be complete. As Dr. Silkworth states "on the other hand and strange as this may seem, once a psychic change has occurred the very same person who seemed doomed, who has so many problems they despaired of ever solving them is easily able to control their desire for alcohol, the only effort necessary being that required to follow a few simple rules."
The transformation of thought that is necessary to recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body occurs through the grace of God received by the practice of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Having admitted complete defeat, having admitted to our innermost selves that we are alcoholic, understanding that our human power could not overcome our alcoholism, having begun to trust in God as a solution to our problems we were now at Step Three as "I decided to turn my will and my life over to the care of God." Our will is our thoughts and our life is our behavior as we always think before we act. "God I offer myself to Thee, to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt, relieve me of the bondage of self that I may better do thy will. Take away from me my difficulties so that victory over them will bear witness to Thy power, Thy love and Thy way of life. May I do Thy will always.
A simple solution to a complicated and UNIQUE DISEASE
Recovering alcoholics don't need to look much further for the exact nature of the solution than this commentary. Alcoholism is a unique disease insofar as both the problem and the solution are unique. And definable. In my experience, the essence of Recovery is housed in every alcoholic but few ever get to really know it. The transformation of thought eludes the vast majority of sufferers because the transformation of thought process through a vital spiritual experience never becomes clear, therefore never possible. Most alcoholics die alcoholics. That is a sad statistical fact. In my own case, incorporating all Twelve Steps into my life until they become my life is the "path" referred to in the first sentence of Chapter Five, How It Works. I drank because I sought spirits to satisfy my yearning but unawakened spirit. What I needed was precisely what Dr Slikworth suggested - a vital spiritual experience. Not a religious one, a spiritual one. This post, for me, clearly explains the Steps to finding The Power Within me (who had always been there), and the unique process that follows. Through finding The Power Within me, I found me and my purpose - to give myself away.
ReplyDeleteMichael Alcoholism is Unique in that it is two fold as explained in the blog above. Simply not drinking doesn't treat the most important part of the disease, the mental obsession. Without that we are alcoholics not drinking suffering from untreated alcoholism...Thank you....Armand
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