Loosid Sober Tip of the Day March 10

Sober Tips
#1

A disease that tells us we don’t have a disease.

The diseases of alcoholism and addiction are both diseases that trick us into thinking that we don’t have a disease. Although the jury has been ‘in’ for a very long time, it still tries to pull the wool over our eyes.

Addiction does not occur because of moral weakness, a lack of willpower or an unwillingness to stop.

There has been decades of work investigating the effects of substance use on the brain.

Here are the facts:

  1. In 1956, the American Medical Association (AMA) declared alcoholism an illness
  2. in 1987, the AMA and other medical organizations officially termed addiction a disease.
  3. Alcoholism, as defined by The American society of Addiction Medicine, is “a primary, chronic disease characterized by impaired control over drinking and preoccupation with the drug alcohol.”
  4. The definition also states that alcoholism is often progressive and fatal.

So why do millions of people still think it’s not a disease?

Well, one reason is because of lack of information. We simply have not read the above; what the medical community has concluded through decades of research.

Another reason is because our disease tells us so.

Still another reason for this is because there has been a stigma that has been created by people who are not properly armed with the facts that both alcoholism and addiction are not diseases, and it is these false stigmas that kill tens of millions of people every year.

If you are amongst the many who believe you have a lack of willpower, or have shame or guilt wondering why you cannot control or ‘handle’ your drinking or drug use the way others can, take solace in the fact that the science is in and this could not be further from the truth.

It is a disease and is not your fault.

Here’s the great news. Your disease is 100% treatable provided that you work a spiritual program of recovery.

How did this tip resonate with you? Let us know your thoughts below. There are many people in the Loosid community who need to hear what you have to say.

With Love, Loosid :pray::heart:

5 Likes
#2
#3

True.!

1 Like
#4

Thank you God for the few days I have. I plan to work a spiritual program today, and enjoy life without a drink. Wishing the same
For all of you.

2 Likes
#5

Wow! This is exactly what I need to show my family who just don’t understand why I never just said no. Thank you Loosid and the Loosid community! Today is a new day!!! Fresh starts, choices, and not picking up a drink!

3 Likes
#6

Why differentiate alcoholism and addiction in your report? Addiction is addiction. With 3 years of sobriety I say this. Addiction is a disease. My recovery life is very spiritual. Thanks for the message

#7

I’m an alcoholic. Alcohol was a solution to all of my problems. For me it took me to go down a very dark path in order to see that I’m allergic to alcohol. However, the real problem centered in my thinking and my behaviors when not drinking. I look back and can say that I was very very selfish, self centered and egotistical. I would be come very irritated and mad at the slightest thing. A lot of dumb things would tip me off. Then I would get over even. The retaliation on my part was just plan old evil. Then came the stories. The justification of all of my behaviors and actions. I would play this tape daily. Over and over until I had a drink. Then I would forget about them. Then I wouldn’t drink for a few days. Then something exciting would happen and I’d celebrate. Then I would do dumb stuff during the middle of the week. My point is I’m powerless over alcohol. My thinking is the problem. The wonderful thing for me is there is a solution , found in the 12 steps of AA. A complete psychic change had to take place for me. I had to find a new way to live. To find my morals again, to make new friends, to see what my part is in every thing I do, and most importantly get out there and help others.
Thank you AA! Thank you Loosid!
Thank you to all of you on here making sobriety possible for others. Keep sharing your experience, strength and hope with others.

1 Like
#8

Yeah ok it’s a disease. Yes it’s treatable. Thing is, I’m the only one who can treat me. I’m the one responsible, I’m the one who needs to find a proper response. And failure to do so has consequences not only for me but for the people around me as well. I can and should ask for help of course, but ultimately it’s on me. I guess I don’t like the disease label because it sounds like an excuse to me. Call alcoholism whatever you want, it is what it is and needs to be dealt with.

#9

So very true!

#10

Kevin, this response pretty much summarized my relationship with Alcohol to a "T". Thank you for sharing this. I'm 24 says into my sobriety on my 4th go around. I need the vicious cycle to stop.
Thanks again. You nailed it.

1 Like
#11

Welcome Bob! This is my 4th or 5th time. What I’ve noticed, just like the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous says, every time I stopped then started again my drinking got worse. This last time was the deepest hole I dug yet. And the feelings of despair, loneliness, guilt, shame and fear had me grasping to the ledge of freedom. Because of hospital, residential treatment, AA and this beautiful App I’m living a life that I thought I’d never have after the bad events I put myself through. The 12 steps are, for me, where it at.
I’m glad you’re here Bob. I’m here if you have any questions about AA. There are other programs out there, like smart recovery, NA, life ring, recovery dharma, refuge recovery, and celebrate recovery. I encourage checking these out if you haven’t yet. I do love AA and it’s working for me really well. I have a sponsor and I’m sponsoring others as well. The magic in sobriety is helping others. Anyway I’m just rambling on… have wonderful day my friend!

#12

Thank you Kevin. I really appreciate your perspective and identify with your journey into sobriety. I have been attending aa meetings but not yet into the steps. I will look into the other ones you laid out. Thank you!

1 Like
#13

Welcome Brother!