Probably most would answer that treatment for alcoholism is to stop drinking. However, those working with the addicted quickly find out that the patient is faced with many problems attributed to withdrawal. These symptoms are serious: anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and anger difficult to control. Pleasure and temporary relief of stress that alcohol supplied are followed by depression and helplessness.
Craving for alcohol, the mentality of the person is affected, he has a 'dry drunk', behaving like a drunk person, the mental faculties and emotions are distorted not able to satisfy the addiction. In the treatment process dealing with this pain, all disappears by giving in to the temptation and drinking.
Around half, according to statistics, after treatment return within a month, two-thirds go back to drink within a year. Recovery is not easy. After relapse, the situation is more serious, small and big conflicts, diseases and attempted suicides. The pain is real and the temptation to succumb is strong and not just an excuse on the part of the addicted one.
The brain which has enjoyed drinking regularly when the drinking stops the brain goes into an emergency state. The brain to overcome this abnormal state will take all the means available; we have distorted thinking and emotions, destroying any kind of spirituality.
Those who stay away from alcohol for at least two years over 80 % continue. After one or two years most of the brain's functions return and the way the person faces life changes.
He tells his readers about a man in his 80s who was addicted but went to see his doctor weekly and joined a group of alcoholics meeting regularly. The writer asked him why did he want to change at his age.
" I have been drinking for over 60 years. I worked hard and quite suddenly I felt an emptiness in life, I had nothing. I worked, made money and spent a lot of my time drinking with friends, I had little time to speak with my family. I didn't want my family to remember me only as a drunk who lived a worthless life.I stopped drinking, learned to play an instrument, started exercising, reading and returned to my religion. Most important I have been spending time with my family in conversation. They liked what they saw and praised and respect me for what I have done. I have begun living a meaningful life even if it's almost over."
A medical practitioner wishes the patient to enjoy healthy pleasures instead of those that come from using addictive substances. They desire patients to seek full communication with others instead of anger, have hope instead of being controlled by instinctive desires and live a dignified life as a human being. This is the ultimate goal for addicts to reach and not simple detoxification.
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