For addicts & alcoholics, 'more' is better than some'

To The Daily Sun,

The vast majority of alcohol abusers started out as moderate or social drinkers. In the beginning moderate amounts of alcohol work well for those who want to relax or enjoy leisure activities. And most of the people who start drinking socially continue through life using alcohol and never encounter serious problems or loss of control. They don’t develop a chronic or habitual drinking pattern. For that 5-10 percent who actually do develop a drinking "problem" it may happen rapidly or slow and steady over a long period of time. Some drinkers are aware that their alcohol use is getting out of hand and they use different methods to try to control it.

Two sure, absolute things happen when drinking (and of course drug use) becomes addictive. One is loss and the other is progression. As time goes on a problem substance abuser may steadily increase the amount that they consume. The nature of addiction is that it rarely stays satisfied with a set amount. For addicts and/or alcoholics, if "some" is good than "more" is better. Along with a steady increase in the amount of the substance of choice being consumed, there is loss. Loss may start to occur in subtle ways such as by losing time at work. An increase in days off from work may not get someone immediately fired but in many cases it effects the likelihood of job promotions or raises.

The more of the addictive substance that he or she consumes, the worse are the losses. As time goes on money becomes scarce, stress increases, family conflict becomes more intense, physical health worsens. Some alcoholics or addicts can drink problematically or addictively use substances for extended periods of time without it being too overt. They can get away with it for a long time but when they finally need to seek treatment, the progression and loss that has occurred can be immense. Better to deal with alcohol or drug addiction sooner than later because the inevitable loss and progression will continue until there is nothing left.

Michael Tensel, MS-MLADC

A&D Recovery Counseling

Laconia