2024 Author: Harry Day | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 15:43
I would like to continue the story that I touched upon in my last text. That girl was left alone, alone with her alcoholism, experiences, life and demons that sit inside.
Hope readers will forgive me for oversimplifying the story a little. This is necessary to more clearly identify important milestones on the path of healing
She was left completely alone, her husband left and took the child. Despair overwhelmed even more, what to do, where to go … but is it necessary to do something? There is alcohol, so wonderful, it can take away all fears, worries, adversities. A week went on like this, then another moment came, so rare … of enlightenment. What contributed? A look around, a huge amount of empty containers, a lot of dust and dirt, scattered things and a smell … having gathered strength she got up, staggered to the first source of water.
And who is there in the mirror?
What kind of person is this? The face, which used to be so attractive, beautiful, is now swollen. Black bags under the eyes were noticeable even in the semi-darkness of the apartment. Stains on clothes that have been there for maybe a week. Hair like some cheap wig that had been in a damp closet for several years. Is it me?
At similar moments comes the realization that something is wrong. And the person is faced with an important, life-changing decision. The consequences of this decision may be a slow extinction of the person that we knew, saw, remembered and communicated with, or huge efforts to regain ourselves and live as before, no, life is much better.
“No, I won't drink anymore” - a possible thought, “It's time to change everything”. As soon as the determination begins to leave, and the sleepy world completely lets go of its embrace, the most terrible state comes. Hands are shaking, my heart is pounding wildly, my head throbs with every breath, light, turn.
This is the decisive period where intoxication and consequences after the marathon overtake in full. And here comes the test of strength either to stop and move on, or to give up and remove the symptoms.
Running a little ahead, I will say that I decided to make the heroine the one who fights for life, for herself, for the child, clinging to all the good that is inside her.
A day goes by, two, three, the condition does not improve. The urge to drink is getting stronger every hour. She decides that she needs to ask for help, to her relatives, acquaintances, her friend - no matter who.
Often the first weeks, after a long binge, become painful for a person. That is why one of the important recommendations is to consult a doctor. They will help to relieve this condition with medication, using various "cocktails" intravenously. A person who is coping with addiction will definitely find it difficult to go through it alone. Therefore, when I receive such requests for work, one of the most important conditions for starting work is a parallel entry into the AA self-help group - Alcoholics Anonymous. I explain this by the fact that I do not communicate with patients outside the sessions, except for technical issues. Since I simply cannot guarantee the availability of free time or other employment for various reasons.
Anyone going through chemical addiction quitting needs someone who can provide support at any time. And the 12-step program is just one of the most successful, which provides a curator who is ready to help. And in big cities you can find an AA group every day and at different times of the day.
The combination of psychotherapy and self-help groups has worked very well. But let's take it in order.
I think many of you have heard of this successful AA program, which I am sure you will not find better in the field of support. Many people who tried to convince their loved ones that their alcohol consumption had become a problem met with skepticism and a huge number of: "no, you are wrong …". Now a person himself begins to recognize his problem, realizes his illness and all the consequences that it carries. He admits his helplessness in front of her, begins to feel responsibility.
At first, alcohol is like a reward - for hard work, fatigue, a difficult day, etc. And also the possibility of avoiding problems. And when a person encounters all this in everyday life after deciding to live soberly, it all begins to be perceived as a difficult test.
Psychotherapy allows you to deal with those experiences, traumas, conditions that affect the quality of life. One of the important points of psychotherapy is that a person develops a new system of self-reward in his work.
Every person now living a sober life who has gone through this difficult path, I think, experienced the greatest stress in those situations that seem simple for everyone else.
Going to the supermarket could be a whole ordeal. Here an alcoholic walks between counters, chooses cheese, butter, soda, tomatoes and other products, and suddenly comes to a counter where, like a child's candy, a range of products, now banned, beckons.
Watching TV or Movies also does not leave its mark. Almost every movie has alcohol. There they drink him, have fun reminding the addict of the time when he could also.
Corporate and holidays - this is another story. After all, if a person gets into a company and does not drink, then what usually happens with us? What are you if not yours? Here is one glass, drink it and nothing will happen! An alcoholic has no brake, where there is one glass there will be a second, third, and a month of such glasses. Those who have decided to choose the path of sobriety often go through strength tests, tests where "NO" must be said not only to others, but also to your desire. Where "YES" means to cross out everything that you have achieved.
I began to write this trilogy in support of those who decided to take the path of sobriety, those who cope with this stress and desire, those who have gone through this or are just now going to get on the path.
Don't be afraid to seek help and admit your weakness. You are all initially good, just a wrong decision in life led you to a dead end, you are not bad. Not spoiled, you are just people, the same as everyone else. Most importantly, you are worthy of happiness, support and love.
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