The following was in one of the books studied in a Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree course a few years back, but the
information is still relevant. Not everyone is at the same level of addiction and not all symptoms will fit everyone
but hopefully, you will find it helpful to understand how alcohol addiction works.
The text has been edited, but Clyde Narramore is credited with the majority of the content found here.
From Chapter 4
Alcoholism
Description:
Alcoholism is a disorder associated with the excessive us of intoxicating beverages. It is estimated
that there are over 4 million excessive drinkers in the United States alone. (These stats are from previous to
1974.)
Alcohol has deteriorating effects on the user's personal and social life. It often leave the home of
the alcoholic in a shambles. He is unable to maintain effective interpersonal relationships with family members and
his mis-management of finances causes serious difficulties. Separation and divorce are often left in the wake of excessive
drinking. In short, the alcoholic is usually left financially, physically and spiritually bankrupt.
Occupational difficulties also arise. The alcoholic may perform inadequately at work, may miss complete
days of labor, and may eventually lose him employment. Alcoholism is no respecter of persons, affecting all socioeconomic
levels. Malnutrition often follows alcoholism, since the heavy drinker usually has a dissrupted routine and does
not receive proper nourishment.
In small quantities alcohol acts as a stimulant. However, in increasing amounts it is a depressant.
It has an anesthetic or depressing effect on the central nervous system. By turning to intoxicating beverages the alcoholic
can temporarily escape feelings of insecurity and inferiority and achieve false but gratifying feelings of adequacy.
The development of alcoholism passes through several general phases. The alcoholic typically begins
as a social drinker. Finding that alcohol depresses his nervous system and temporarily re-lieves tension and anxiety,
he gradually increases his consumption. In time, he finds that he is unable to control his drinking. Following
this phase, the alcoholic turns to the most critical step in chronic alcoholism. He is taken over almost entirely by
alcohol and is unable to control the amount he drinks.
If heavy drinking is continued over a period of years, permanent personality deterioration may occur.
Mental disturbances often develop and memory and comprehension may be disrupted. The alcoholic may show a low threshold
of tolerance as well as depressive reactions. Physical symptoms may also appear. Cirrhosis of the liver as well
as other internal disorders and an over-all physical and muscular degeneration frequently result from chronic alcoholism.
The alcoholic is often a person with high aspirations. His inability (for whatever the reason) to reach
these goals leads him to turn away from these and attempt to find temporary feelings of adequacy and superiority by drinking.
(Sometimes feelings of hostility show.)
Treatment:
One step to the treatment of an alcoholic is the complete removal of liquor.
Medical treatment is available which is effective in conditioning the individual to stop drinking.
Although medical treatment may be effective, it will not resolve the basic conflicts which have led to the
disorder. Through counseling the individual needs to become aware of the factors in his life which led to his inability
to any longer tolerate the stress and anxiety . He needs to realize that his drinking is an attempt to escape these
problems, but not a solution to them. He needs to realize the fact that continued drinking will only exaggerate
his present condition.
A realization of the why's will offer a better basis for finding other approaches to the problems.
Alcohol is a crutch. The goal is to get rid of the crutch and get back to good health and happy living.
One must also take special precautions when discouraged and "down in the dumps". It
is good to be able to share with a spouse how one feels at this time. This enables him/her to encourage and change the
situation. Support is important.
Most alcoholics who have improved their general health have found that it is much easier to control and defeat
the habit. Therefore it is important to eat healthy food and take care to get enough sleep.
One of the greatest hopes available to the excessive drinker is found in a trust in God. Matthew
11:28 tells us "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." A personal trust in in
Jesus will bring about a new life with new hope for the future. The Bible declares: "Therefore, if any man be
in Christ, he is a new creature: old thiings are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (II Corinthians
5:17).
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to fogive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
(I John 1:9)
The Scriptures promise that " . . . God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are
abole; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it". (I Corinthians 10:13).
This spiritual help is through, affecting the personality in depth. It is also lasting, bringing permanent relief.
Among other benefits of spiritual conversion and growth is the new circle of Christian friends which comes with new life in
Christ.
We must realize that we do not need to strive to please God and gain acceptance. God's love is ounconditional.
His forgiveness is complete and lasting. "
11For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who love Him.
12As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who love Him.…Psalm
103:12
---------------------------------------------------------
