Alcoholism Before Recovery
Therese Basham is an independent marketing and communications consultant based in St. Louis, Missouri. In addition to being a stay-at-home mom to her son and daughter for the past 20 years, she has remained engaged as a freelance marketing communications writer, photographer, and videographer. Recently, she joined the Association of Professional Photo Organizers and is now helping individuals bring order to their digital and physical photo and video collections. Therese is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where she studied marketing and psychology.
In This Guide:
For most of us, a drink every now and then is a harmless way to unwind with friends at happy hour or enhance the enjoyment of a delectable dinner. But millions of people suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD), better known as alcoholism, which is a chronic disease that causes physical and emotional dependence on alcohol, and the inability to control drinking. The effects of alcoholism can be devastating, both to the users and to those around them. There are several treatment options available but the first step is identifying the problem and being open to getting help. In this guide, learn what AUD sufferers may be thinking as they wrestle with this debilitating disease.
They Might Be Thinking
- Am I really an alcoholic?
- I'm afraid to stop drinking.
- I'm embarrassed and ashamed that I drink this much, and I don't want to tell anyone that I think I have a problem.
- I'll stop drinking so much tomorrow/next week/after vacation.
- I can manage my drinking.
- I'm so stressed out and drinking helps.
- I had a really hard day and I need a drink.
- I can't sleep and drinking helps.
- My back hurts and drinking relieves it. And it's better than pills!
- I feel so alone.
- I can stop whenever I want.
- I'm worried that drinking will affect my health.
- I can't go out with my friends without drinking.
- It won't be fun to go out if I can't drink.
- I know when I've had too much to drink and I can't drive.
- Everyone in my family drinks. We can hold our liquor.
- I can stop drinking on my own.
- I feel so guilty that my drinking is having an impact on my loved ones.
- I'm worried my drinking is starting to have a negative impact on my work performance.
- I can't imagine abstaining from alcohol for the rest of my life.
- My friends and family won't want to be around me if I can't drink.
Words That Might Be Encouraging
- If you are feeling suicidal and need to talk to a professional, you can call this number: 1-800-273-8255.
- I'll be here when you decide you're ready to get help.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help.
- You are not alone.
- I believe in you.
- I care about you and want the best for you.
- I'm here to listen if you want to talk about it, but it's okay if you don't.
- You have options.
- I haven't heard from you for a few days and I wanted to check-in. Are you doing okay?
- It's not your fault. Addiction is a disease, but with dedication and focus, it's curable.
- Things can get better.
- You deserve to have a happy, healthy, and full life.
- You are strong and I know you can do this.
- I just want you to be happy and healthy, and to be the best version of yourself.
- You may not realize it, but your drinking affects others. Let me know when you decide it is unacceptable and want to get help, and I'll be here for you.
- I'm worried about you, and I'm concerned something bad might happen to you or someone else because of your drinking.
- I understand that it upsets you when I say I think you have a problem, and I know it's hard to hear but the truth is that you do have a problem and you need to get help.
- There are many kinds of programs and recovery plans for alcohol use disorder. Can I help you find a treatment program that feels right for you?
Words That Might Be Discouraging
- You drink way too much.
- You're a drunk.
- If you love me/us, you'll stop.
- You're so selfish.
- Why can't you just stop? You need more willpower.
- You need to get your act together.
- Why don't you just try to drink less?
- I know someone who quit cold turkey. Why don't you just try that?
- Rehab is really expensive.
- You're boring when you don't drink.
- I don't think you drink too much.
- Why do you feel the need to drink?
- You're going to drink yourself to death.
- What's wrong with you?
- Don't you see what you are doing to yourself and your family?
- I give up. You're a lost cause.
- You have to join Alcoholics Anonymous. It's the only program that really works.
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