Alcoholism is a threefold disease of the mind, body, and spirit. There are three main factors within the disease: the spiritual malady, a physical allergy, and a mental obsession. These three factors are the reason why it is impossible for someone suffering from the disease of alcoholism to simply stop using as a result of their own willpower. A spiritual malady, or sickness of the spirit, is the catalyst that causes a person to seek comfort in a state of intoxication rather than face the sober reality of the world as given. This malady is something that exists deep within each of us. Everyone suffering from alcoholism has exhibited the symptoms of the spiritual malady—they were restless, irritable, and discontent, and sought refuge in alcohol or drugs. The physical allergy, and subsequent phenomenon of craving, is the inability of one to control how much they will drink or use once a substance has entered their body. People who have the physical allergy are unable to control their drinking, no matter how hard they may try. The final component, the mental obsession, is a problem in our ability to reason. We may be fully aware of the consequences of our drinking and the suffering it causes, but we are unable to resist indulging once again. Dr. Silkworth, in his preface to the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, explains how these three components come together to create a cycle that defines alcoholism: “They are restless, irritable and discontented, unless they can again experience the sense of ease and comfort which comes at once by taking a few drinks—drinks which they see others taking with impunity. After they have succumbed to the desire again, as so many do, and the phenomenon of craving develops, they pass through the well-known stages of a spree, emerging remorseful, with a firm resolution not to drink again.” Regardless of will-power, if one suffers from the spiritual malady, physical allergy, and mental obsession, they will continually fall victim to the cycle of alcoholism. There is a solution, however. A person can break the cycle and recover from the disease of alcoholism by having an entire psychic change and embracing complete abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Recovery is possible, but requires adherence to a program that addresses all three components of the disease—the mind, body, and spirit.
Alcoholism does not have to control your life. There is a solution, and recovery is possible for anyone. Oceanfront Recovery, a treatment facility in beautiful Laguna Beach, is staffed with caring and compassionate professionals dedicated to providing all the tools necessary to achieve permanent sobriety. For more information about treatment options, including Detox and Residential Treatment, please call today: (877) 279-1777
