Even though alcohol is the oldest most widely accepted and consumed legal drug in today’s society, alcoholism is a grave social stigma and an alcoholic is looked upon as a vermin and a disgrace.
Alcoholism is widespread and alcoholics can be seen in almost every locality trying to stagger home or lying helpless on the pavement. But, apart from a disgusted look or maybe a shove by the boot, no second thought is given to these poor unfortunates.
Society as a whole, has pre-conceived misconceptions about alcoholism the primary one being that “it is upon the individual to control his or her drinking and choose how much he or she wants to drink”, or that excessive drinking is just a bad habit, a result of bad upbringing or defect of character.
This however, is not true. For an alcoholic, drinking is not just a bad habit, which he or she does not want to leave. An alcoholic is in the grip of a chronic, progressive and fatal disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Medical Association (AMA) also recognizes and classifies alcoholism as a disease. It is a combination of both a psychological and a physical disorder. A chronic disease that cannot be cured but yes a disease that can be arrested or kept in check.
It is obvious, that no one who begins drinking alcohol does so with the desire to become an alcoholic. But unfortunately, there is no symptom or means to pre-determine, whether or not you will become an alcoholic if you drink alcohol.
Alcoholism is the most severe form of alcohol abuse and involves the inability to manage drinking habits. Individuals struggling with alcoholism often feel as though they cannot function normally without alcohol. This can lead to a wide range of issues and impact professional goals, personal matters, relationships and overall health.
Over time, the serious side effects of consistent alcohol abuse can worsen and produce damaging health, social and legal complications leading to insanity or death. Alcoholism as mentioned above is widespread, especially amongst the youth and now even school going children, and has become a serious threat to society, but the authorities or the society as a whole underplay the seriousness of the issue and does not treat it as it treats the menace of drug abuse. That is because, alcohol is legal and is openly marketed to adults. Alcohol is commonly abused due to the easy access and due to the close ties it has to social events like celebrations, condolence gatherings, corporate events, get-together of friends etc.
If you feel as though your alcohol consumption is taking a toll on your life, it’s important to find options that will help you kick you alcohol addiction. Your doctor will be able to offer professional medical assistance if you are concerned about your drinking. Medication for treating various physical symptoms arising due to alcoholism are available and professional psychiatrist counseling and therapy also help. However, even the medical and psychiatric faculty agree, that the most effective way to combat your drinking and to achieve long term sobriety, is via the 12 Step Program.
The 12-Step philosophy pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous is used by about 74 percent of treatment centers. Alcoholics Anonymous or AA is an international mutual aid fellowship of men and women, who meet and share their experience, strength and hope with the stated purpose of enabling its members to “stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.” AA is non professional, self-supporting, non political and non religious. Its only membership requirement is a desire to stop drinking.
The basic premise of this model is that people can help one another achieve and maintain abstinence from alcohol, but that healing cannot come about unless people with alcoholism surrender to a higher power. It is not a religious but a spiritual program, that helps not only the suffering alcoholic to achieve sobriety, but also offers support to the family members of the alcoholic and provide them ways and means to deal with the problem.
There are two Alcoholics Anonymous Groups in Shillong. AA Foundation Group that holds meetings at DonBosco Youth Centre in Laitumkhrah and AA Day by Day Group that holds meetings at Bawri Netralaya, Butcher Road (Behind Shani Mandir). Anyone who feels that his or her drinking has become a serious problem or you require help for an alcoholic in your family, can call any of these Free Helpline Numbers 70859 03630, 98560 25001 anytime 24×7 to seek help. There are absolutely no fees or dues for AA membership.
(Article by Chairmain-Public Information of Alcoholics Anonymous Day by Day Group, Shillong)
