Alcoholism and Recovery

            
            
             Since the time I was a young adult I have engaged in the many stages of alcohol consumption. Beginning with experimentation, progressing through the social and into the trouble stage. Until finally becoming a full blown alcoholic. Upon entering and subsequently completing a rehabilitation program I was taught and learned three major components that are essential to effectively controlling alcoholism: diagnosis, treatment and maintenance.
             1. CONCRETE EXPERIENCE.
             As with many young adults I experimented with alcohol at a rather early age. And although I have since learned that the problems of alcoholism probably began then, I was unaware of any such problems that my drinking was causing until well into my adult life.
             It was not until I had several brief dealings with the local police that it did in fact occur to me that I may have a drinking problem. However I still managed to avoid the entire issue for a number of years before finally deciding that I needed to start doing something about it. .
             I began with a simple form of diagnosis that involved me monitoring my drinking patterns. Was I drinking more often? Was I drinking alone? Could I stop drinking any time I wanted to? I also began to take note of some apparent problems that were associated with my drinking. I was frequently plagued with money problems. I often made irrational decisions and rash judgments. I began to loose the battle of consistency at work, and eventually lost my job. I eventually concluded that I did in fact have a drinking problem and that I was probably an alcoholic. I was also ready to do something about it. I was ready to fight it.
             The next logical step was for me to seek help for my problem. The treatment for alcoholism is at best a difficult process. First came the detoxification, which took care of the initial medical issue. Then came a rehabilitation center, where I learned about the tools that were available for treatment.