“This is by no means a comprehensive picture of the true alcoholic, as our behavior patterns vary. But this description should identify him roughly. Why does he behave like this? If hundreds of experiences have shown him that one drink means another debacle with all its attendant suffering and humiliation, why is it he takes that one drink? Why can’t he stay on the water wagon? What has become of the common sense and will power that he still sometimes displays with respect to other matters? Perhaps there never will be a full answer to these questions. Opinions vary considerably as to why the alcoholic reacts differently from normal people. We are not sure why, once a certain point is reached, little can be done for him. We cannot answer the riddle. “- pg.22 There Is A Solution from the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous
Many people including ourselves are baffled by our drinking. We see others drink with impunity yet when we try to it usually ends in negative consequences. While we need alcohol addiction help through California rehab centers, AA, drug addiction detox, or sober livings normal drinkers can just stop drinking if there are consequences or even if they don’t like the way it makes them feel. We on the other hand cannot. In other words we are powerless. There is something in us that makes us forget about the negative effects alcohol has had on our lives. It becomes something we need. Instead of a choice it becomes a necessity for us. The only way out of this disease is either through jails, institutions, death, or recovery. If we choose recovery then we must be willing to do the work necessary to live life sober. If we fail to accept that we are powerless over alcohol then we will not be prepared to stay sober. However if we admit we are powerless, turn our lives over, and do the work we can then go on to live a happy, joyous, and free life.