Life " Experiences " with alcohol

[Cb1963]

How alcohol affects those who have become " addicted " towards drinking is often caused by outside events and beyond their control. I'll try and cover the issue surrounding drinking, and I'll only use the word "alcoholic" once during this comment, as I feel this word attaches a stigma around drink , there's numerous groups of individuals who have fallen into the trap of drinking.

Myself I struggled with ptsd and was a hidden factor that caused my relationship with drinking, it was always a simmering problem and to some extent its still in

" file" in my brain and it will never get deleted.

Now forgive me if I miss out other groups where individuals are affected by drinking, you have abuse victims, work related problems,marital issues, financial issues, gambling or drug related issues or even addicted to prescription medicines,or even neighbourhood problems,even the so called social drinker or even being arrested I suppose, I'm sure there's many more, but I've covered a few already.

And of course the person themselves and how drinking has become a crutch towards living a life of misery, I'm sure early intervention and support could reduce those struggling with drinking, maybe all drinkers are tarred with the same brush, I'm not sure how many people sort advice before getting stuck on the " wagon " or how many failures they had before earning themselves the a pat on the back for staying sober.

Once you've got a few years under your belt you have time to reflect on your habits, you realise its not you who have a problem, it's those around you or certain events caused your downfall, acceptance and understanding doesn't always solve the problem, but drinking has then got a grip on you which leads to addiction and of course depression, oh and throw in the numerous health problems, but maybe the person as well has an addictive personality , yes it's a hard slog trying to stay sober, but 12+ years I've managed to keep my demons away and my journey on staying sober continues, good luck to anyone who is facing the long road ahead, but with help and support you will complete 99% of your journey,and the last 1 percent is the one that reminds you that the drinker inside you is still there!