I recently overheard someone talking about an alcoholic who
received disability. The person speaking
was appalled that someone could be considered disabled because of an
addiction. The disease of alcoholism is
often misunderstood. Alcoholism is mental illnesses. It is also a spiritual,
physical, and emotional disease. Alcoholism is an impairment for which there is
little treatment. Addictions that alter a person’s brain functions are very
dangerous. Accidents can easily happen.
Addictions can cause tremors, disorientation, shock, and even hallucinations .
The problem is that
alcoholism is believed to be an impairment that can be controlled with
discipline and hard work. Not true. An active alcoholic is either under the
influence or is craving alcohol. A person craving has no control whatsoever. Craving
is physically and mentally debilitating. A person can easily die when going
through withdrawal of alcohol.
So what is the treatment for alcoholism? Jail? This might
help the problem be first recognized. Homelessness? Never. Hospitalization? Maybe at first. Love is the treatment. Love, respect, healing,
counsel, and truth about the pain. God has a great way of shining light on past
events which triggered the escape mechanism.
Group therapy, AA meetings, and prayer meetings are also helpful tools.
Judgement, criticism,
anger, manipulation, rewards, hostility, or detachment generally are the wrong
choice to help an alcoholic. These things continue to drive the need for
escape.
So why am I writing this in a blog to other alcoholics and
addicts? I want us to have compassion for those still suffering. We can help
because we remember. We can advocate for the needs of those still drinking. I
sometimes find myself starting to get judgmental towards those who are in active
addiction. Then God reminds me that He
loves them very much. God the Father, The Great Shepherd seeks out each person
who is lost in addiction. He listens to the hurting who cry out. He cares
deeply.
God may ask us to help an alcoholic along the way. We may become
temporary human angels for a divine appointment. If you are newly sober you may be the one
with the most believable story and the compassion necessary to reach the one
suffering. That is how recovery works. God works through us. May we never
forget.
