The American Medical Association recognized alcohol dependence as a disease over 55 years ago. Alcohol dependence fits the disease model because it is a dysfunctional state with characteristic form.
Use of some drugs, including alcohol, may cause dependency. The medical term for this dependency, or addiction, is Chemical Dependency. In order for a chemical to be addictive it must possess three properties. It must be: 1) mind altering or mood changing, 2) euphorigenic, and 3) reinforcing, that is taking the chemical stimulates taking more of the chemical.
Kim, with 3 days since her last drink, shares her story
SHOW NOTES
[14:29] Paul Introduces Kim. I am 43 years old, I have 2 kids, I am from Atlanta, I am a self-employed attorney. I like to walk my dog, be out in nature, and exercise. I come from a family of alcoholics.
[19:34] Paul- Did you ever put any rules into place? Like not drinking before 5:00? Tell us more about that.
Kim- I did actually. I switched to wine, I don’t know if that counts as moderating. I did cut back on the heavy stuff. I tried not drinking when I noticed the emotions were flooding. For me it’s been the amount I have been drinking when I did drink.
[32:18] Paul- We are both one of the “lucky ones” How do you feel about that?
Kim- The one thing I have that my family members don’t have is self-awareness. They are in denial. I feel very very lucky that I have been able to recognize what I am doing, and that it is a problem. At the same time it is everywhere. I see it everywhere.
[43:08] Rapid Fire Round
What was your worst memory from drinking? Without a doubt it was that night. It was the lowest I felt in my life. I never want to be there again. Did you ever have an “oh-shit” moment? It was 3 days ago. We were having fun, watching football. The next thing I knew I had a beer in my hand. What’s your plan moving forward? Accountability is big. Actually calling somebody, I can see where reaching out can help break the cycle. What’s your favorite resource in recovery? Without a doubt it is the Café RE recovery group. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (on sobriety)? When you are going through hell, don’t stop. What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking? Don’t beat yourself up. It perpetuates in a negative way. You might be an alcoholic if... you actually enjoy being sick with a cold or the flu because it actually suppresses your desire to get a drink for a while.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
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HIMS Website- Human Intervention Motivation Study
CBS News- Rehab that Puts Alcoholic Pilots Back in the Cockpit
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