Alcohol Problem
So you decided you have an alcohol problem. Is it a big problem, little problem, can you fix it, do you want to fix it. What the hell, maybe just deal with it later? A lot of things to think about. Only you know the answers. So you have a problem. Is it a disease, nasty habit, temporary insanity, curse from God. Who knows? However you choose to describe it doesn't matter. What does, is that it is creating some problems. Ones that are nasty enough you are thinking about doing something to stop them. Possibly it’s just a nasty hangover and it will all go away after a good nap. Or, in my case, a few more beers. But, at least for right now, things aren't good. I’ve frequently heard that admitting the problem exists is the biggest step. For me, that was complete nonsense. Maybe it isn’t for you. Either way, it still doesn’t matter. What works for me might be all wrong for you. What we know is that you are tired of this garbage. Maybe you even think you need to quit entirely. Knowing that you should quit, that it is in your best interest, and wanting to quit. These are two entirely different creatures. If you’re like me, what you want is the good part, but none of that other stuff that goes along with it. No more feeling like crap at work, or angry spouse’s. No more throwing away money. No more waking up with women you would never have talked to if you were sober. Or, for the ladies, men. All these things are possible. But damn, it’s a high price considering all the things alcohol does for you. Decision ambivalence is common in many things we do. It’s especially true for alcoholics. It’s a love, hate thing. Then, of course, there’s the notion that you can’t quit drinking. That’s a tough one. Nobody wants to decide to quit drinking only to find out a week or so later they’re right back where they were. It’s a sort of confidence issue. There are also several stages of change that most people with an alcohol problem go through. Sometime they go through them several times.
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