In response to a recent New York Times series " A New View of Alcoholism" Dr. Mark Wellingbring addresses the question " Can a Few Drinks a Day Lead to Alcoholism?"
Drinking is a very sociable pasttime, right? Fast forward to the end of the night and your best friend has had enough booze to really say what he thinks about you, pushing out hateful words (and maybe punches). Or, you enter a pub in the middle of the day and you belly up to the bar with the "locals" who star at the back wall, somber and obviously aged by years of drinking. Real sociable, eh?
That is my story. I spent 10 years frequenting establishments and making fast friends with anyone who would hear my drunken banterings. I even convinced myself they were my real friends: I attended their weddings, gave them business advice, etc. I felt like I was the most popular kid on campus. But what happens when you take away the drinking? I had nothing in common with them outside of our common love for the drink. Nothing.
Despelling the myth: When I was a kid I joined clubs neither to be sociable nor to drink. I was in debate, theater and sports...because I liked the activity and being around those who enjoyed it as well. In hindsight, that was the most enjoyable social activities in my life. Today I am excited to enjoy going to weddings and other celebrations without the need to drink. I took it one event at a time and sat and thought the entire time...",man I am glad I can engage in REAL conversations with people and know that I dont have to worry about driving home or being hung over the next day."
We have been raised to believe through our parents, the media and general society that drinking is a lovely and pleasant social event. It is essential for fitting in at parties, weddings, graduations and retirement celebrations. But, is it really esential to enjoying the event?
We think so. But what happens when we seek those who drink as a main pasttime? In other social clubs, we choose to socialize with people who enjoy the same activities we do, golf, bowling, choir, etc. But, what do we do if we have built a social network from the various bars and pubs we have been frequenting for years? My suggestion in the initial days of sobriety that you not disconnect with your friends who happen to drink occasionally, but cut ties with those you met through drinking. It was hard for me to disinguish that at first, but it I sooned realized that the friends who pushed me to drink or downplayed my addiction were ones I shouldn't be with. Send them a silent blessing and move on.
I can say there was a considerable void when I quit drinking. This is void that kept me from getting sober sooner. This is the void that plagues many drinkers...the lonliness of a newly sober person. Yes, your social circle will close in, but I can assure you, this will be replaced with new people that will enrich your life. That is my experience.
Being sober in social situations has been the most incredible high for me...you are clear to really get to know people and to be mindful about your surroundings. I have made great friends and became an example of living a very social, but sober life.
What are your thoughts?
Recommended Read:
Ram Dass talks about how awareness is key to overcoming addiction and how sometimes widely accepted practices of recovery only exacerbates the problem. Very interesting take on addiction and attachment.
Related Materials
Ram Dass: Fierce Grace (DVD)
Remember: Be Here Now
I wasn't your usual characteristic alcoholic. I had a bachelor's degree in international business, climbed social and corporate ladders and raised two successful children. At least that was what the outside saw.
Author Sarah Allen Benton had the same kind of life, she was smart, successful but noticebly on the edge. Five years ago she entered recovery knowing soon her luck would run out. She recently authored the book Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic, an incredible book that describes the high functioning alcoholic.
The Double Life
High functioning alcoholics (hfa)are generally in denial about their drinking problems, and friends, coworkers and relatives rarely confront or even see there is a problem. HFAs don't fit neatly into the stereotypical symptoms of an alcoholic - they hold good jobs, make good money, are active in the community and engage in raising a family.
Benton said she believes nearly half of all alcoholics are high fuctioning. The silent suffering can continue virtually undetected by the outside world for years until a major tragedy or event occurs - a DUI, divorce or embarrassing display in front of co-workers or relatives.
Some tend to also have a false security or over-the-top confidence that their behavior is not dangerous, they drive cars and even practice medicine while drunk. I know this experience all too well, I used blast drunk drivers for being losers, thinking that driving after 3 cosmos was ok.
The New York Times (May 5, 2009) profiled an interview with the author and she identified characteristics that can help people recognize themselves as an HFA:
- Difficulty controlling intake even though they made a conscious decision to
not drink too much - Obsessing about drinking and wondering where, with who and when can they
drink next - They act completely unlike their sober selves when they are drunk
- Experiencing blackouts and unable to remember what they did while
drinking.
Check out the New York Times article - it will also lead you to some other great articles on identifying problems drinkers.
It is estimated there are nearly 100 million regular drinkers in the United States, with 10% considered alcoholic. Although we won’t define here what makes a drinker an alcoholic, but, for the purpose of this article, let us suffice to say it is anyone who has lost control of their drinking, affecting their relationships, jobs, finances and health. This article speaks to the person who has decided to take charge of their health and give up (or least cut down) alcohol intake. Here we will get you started on supporting recovery and detoxification with nutrition.
Straight alcohol consists of empty calories – there are seven calories per gram, double what you would see in protein and carbohydrates. For heavy drinkers, alcohol can consist up to 50% of their daily calorie intake. As alcohol has no real benefit to the body, the liver takes the brunt of processing the alcohol, consequently converting it to fat which can build up in the liver – causing cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver.
For those who are recovering from the effects of heavy alcohol use, diet and vitamins may help through the withdrawal, detoxification and recovery process. Prolonged depletion of important nutrients must be replenished to promote optimal healing – this may need more of specific vitamins and enzymes. This is important even more so during the detoxification stage. Here are some steps to promote healing and recovery through nutrition:
WARNING: If you feel you may go through acute withdrawals needing medical
attention, please call your doctor or head to the nearest hospital.
WATER – by far this is the most important aspect to help you body flush toxins. As you go through the initial detox process, your cells will release not only toxins, but the by-products and waste that go with an extended period of alcohol use. It is recommended 3-4 quarts be drunk daily in a consistent fashion during the withdrawal and detox phase. In other words, don’t gulp all of your water by noon – you will have peed out most of the benefits. It may help to add 1/8 tsp of salt (sea salt if you have it) per 1 liter of water. This will help simulate the water into your body more effectively. If you have any peripheral swelling in joints and limbs, do not add salt. It is best to start your day with at least 8 ounces of water, to help replenish water lost throughout the night as those in detox phase may sweat profusely through the night.
OTHER LIQUIDS – During the early phases of withdrawal, you may not have much of an appetite. This is normal, but it is still important for you to take in nutrients and liquids at this time. If solid foods are not appealing, you could try fruit and vegetables juices as well as clear broths and teas.
DIET – Diet should be very simple and limited to alkaline foods. Cutting sugar is essential as heavy drinkers tend to have blood sugar issues. This will help balance the body back to produce glucose at normal levels. Small, regular meals are recommended and should eat at least something every few hours. Primary focus should be on fruits and vegetables, but lean proteins, legumes, whole what pastas and sweet potatoes may be added.
REST – Allow the body to rest and heal. If you can take some time off, do it. As much as you can, control stress. I understand that is not an easy task given some possible psychological side cravings that may be present. Use meditation as a tool to be mindful that you are doing a wonderful thing for your body and soul, even though it may not feel like it at the time.
VITAMINS AND HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS - I have found an EXCELLENT article by Elson Haas entitled Nutritional Programs for Alcohol Detoxification. It’s a nice printable article with an in-depth chart of everything you need nutritional at every stage. They do have an online store, but don’t seem to have everything needed for the program. The best prices on supplements that I could find online were from Puritan Pride. Nonetheless, the cleansing products are worth checking out.
Cleansing from the effects of alcohol is sometimes not an easy task, especially for heavier drinkers. But, the rewards are incredible. Within weeks you will notice a fog lifting and a lightness that will remind you how wonderful it is to be sober. This, in my opinion, is the best high ever. Please check back for more articles on how you can get healthy, clean and clear from alcohol.
Naltrexone is part of a new generation of anti-addiction drugs that "may turn the world of rehab on its head," according to CNN. The article highlights the experience of former "hard-core alcoholic" Walter Kent, who attributed the drug to saving his life.
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