Author: Thomas Orban
Alcoholism is a major health problem in Canada and is responsible for many accidents, some of which result in out-of-control-driving, reckless machine operation, divorce, reduction in health and job performance, and, unfortunately, even death. Ultimately, drinking leads to cellular damage and cellular death and, if this occurs in the brain, regeneration does not take place. We have nearly 18 billion brain cells and the process of cellular death takes time before this becomes noticeable. The impact is long term and irreversible. When a man impregnates a woman within eight weeks of heavy alcohol intake, he risks the possibility of transferring defective DNA on conception. The baby will likely be born with abnormalities such as physical and mental retardation. The same applies when a woman drinks more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily and during her pregnancy the alcohol flows into the bloodstream, which is absorbed by the fetus. Generally, alcohol causes many illnesses and conditions such as permanent damage to the brain and nervous system, heart failure, liver cirrhosis and depression. Alcohol overdose leads to alcohol poisoning; the symptoms are pale skin, vomiting, clammy skin, blue lips, irregular and slow breathing, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
A non-alcoholic person will be relaxed and slightly drowsy after having a few drinks due to the fact that alcohol is a sedative drug. True alcoholics will feel unsettled until they drink again and then their sense of agitation will be relieved. When drinking even more, (he or she) will temporarily feel better and remain in control without acting intoxicated, in spite of high blood alcohol levels. This tolerance increases gradually in the early stages of alcoholism as the liver adapts, ultimately causing dependency. The following questions were developed by the John Hopkins University Hospital:
http://www.alcohol-addiction-info.com/Alcohol_Addiction_Self_Assessment_Tools.html
According to these questions, any person that answers yes to one of the inquiries may be an alcoholic. If they answer yes to 3 or more questions, they are definitely alcoholic.
In order to change and overcome alcoholism, the alcoholic person must first admit his/her bond to the alcohol. Many times it’s an issue of pride, self-deception, insecurity, guilt, or shame. Yet, people who do recover are able to conquer the above mentioned issues. In the most serious cases, it may take the alcoholic person nearly a decade to reach-out for medical help or some other kind of formal treatment. Alcoholics go through a fundamental change of lifestyle and attitude. As their defenses grow gradually weaker, the chance of self-treatment follows accordingly.
How can you consciously help yourself in overcoming alcoholism?
- Start detoxifying and be determined enough to cleanse and nurture your body.
- Start a healthy diet; alcoholism causes a level of malnutrition and reducing the damaging effects is critical.
- Take vitamins and supplements: supplementing your diet with Vitamins A, B, C, D, Zinc, Calcium and Magnesium will speed up undoing some damages caused by alcohol intake.
- Consume whole foods; breads, cereal, etc. in their natural state, high natural carbohydrates such as seeds, nuts, grains, fruits and vegetables. The food intake should be 80% fruits and vegetables and 20% animal proteins.
- Drink at least 2 liters of purified or mineral water each day, as water is a purifying agent. When craving for alcohol, drink a large glass of water.
- Become physically active and start a regular exercise program, brisk walking, jogging, running, cycling, swimming, skating, etc.
- Plan to do something instead of drinking; be creative!
- Socialize! Make more positive friends, avoid the ones who fuel alcoholism or ridicule quitting it.
- Become more spiritual; pray or meditate regularly, ask for Divine help.
- Decide to forgive yourself for drinking in the past; think about it as some unimportant thing that no longer applies to who you are. This helps to overcome the guilt and shame caused by the habit.
- Be patient with yourself! Acknowledge that change takes some conscious effort and time. There could be some uncomfortable moments during the transformation; feel the feelings, acknowledge them and do the right things.
- When you have an unwanted desire to drink alcohol, command yourself to stop it, NOW!
- Celebrate your life as a non-alcoholic person by drinking a glass of carrot juice.
- Be happy for your new life as a non-imbiber! Calculate how much money you will save by skipping alcohol.
Author: Thomas Orban, DCH, Clinical Hypnotherapist, specializing in programming the subconscious mind to get results quickly and efficiently. Thomas can help clients overcome psychological challenges and unwanted habits by deprogramming and removing psychological blocks and trapped emotions. By lining up conscious and subconscious resources, clients become empowered to move more confidently through the process. For more detailed information visit Thomas’ website at www.cmty.org