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I don't know what alcoholism is and I don't think anyone else actually does either. Disease? Not exactly, but it's debilitating when you develop a dependence on something so destructive. In my family there were some folks who drank to excess, folks who died from the effects. I also know someone who drank a lot as a teen and went to an AA meeting with a friend and now now, nearing 30, is addicted to AA meetings like another poster said. He has other issues including mood swings and anxieties so he need to hang on to something, and his friends are there now, but I never thought he was actually an alcoholic they way my family members were. Then there are people who go through phases of excessive partying and drinking/drugs who later do just do things in moderation. How to explain them?
I also agree with swapping one addiction for another (booze for Jesus, smoking for activism, etc. ) and IMO it is usually anxiety or energy of some sort that needs to be controlled somehow. But I'm not an expert on anything, just an observer.
God can help with your addiction but hes not a cure all. He will not wave a magic wand and you be cured over night. He can help with the temptation. You need an AA meeting. You might even need to hit rock bottom before any of this is possible.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
I don't know what alcoholism is and I don't think anyone else actually does either. Disease? Not exactly, but it's debilitating when you develop a dependence on something so destructive. In my family there were some folks who drank to excess, folks who died from the effects. I also know someone who drank a lot as a teen and went to an AA meeting with a friend and now now, nearing 30, is addicted to AA meetings like another poster said. He has other issues including mood swings and anxieties so he need to hang on to something, and his friends are there now, but I never thought he was actually an alcoholic they way my family members were. Then there are people who go through phases of excessive partying and drinking/drugs who later do just do things in moderation. How to explain them?
I also agree with swapping one addiction for another (booze for Jesus, smoking for activism, etc. ) and IMO it is usually anxiety or energy of some sort that needs to be controlled somehow. But I'm not an expert on anything, just an observer.
I'm not sure why you think no one knows what alcoholism is. The word itself didn't exist until someone created and defined it. I think to the layman, it can definitely be confusing because so many symptoms of alcoholism are exhibited by people who aren't alcoholics. But just like - having a growths on your skin - it doesn't mean you have skin cancer. You might simply be someone who has growths on your skin. There are plenty of people who have growths - moles, skin tags, etc., who don't have skin cancer and never get skin cancer.
So plenty of people can go through a phase of binge drinking, and never become an alcoholic. And plenty of people can abuse alcohol, but not become an alcoholic. And here's the confusing part: plenty of alcoholics don't binge-drink, and plenty of them don't ever exhibit any symptoms of alcoholism. Such as alcoholics who stop drinking. Once they are sober and clean, they no longer exhibit any symptoms at all. They're still alcoholics. A binge-drinker can stop binge-drinking, and no longer be a binge drinker. An alcohol abuser can abuse alcohol, then stop abusing it, and then no longer be an alcohol abuser. But an alcoholic is an alcoholic is an alcoholic. They might be recovering, or even fully recovered. But they're still an alcoholic.
You can do a google search for definitions and how the symptoms manifest and the differences between the different terms involving the consumption of alcohol, here's a few links:
Good morning all, Happy Monday. Well I'm definitely on a journey. My church is doing a series called Life's Healing Choices and yesterday's message was "Flee temptation but do not fear it."
I've been trying to avoid my friend who drinks a lot because obviously that is going to be more tempting. I try to not drink on Sundays as a way to give glory to God (I know should be the other 6 days too!). I drank 2 beers and felt really "blehh." Probably because I ate a lot of food. I decided I was definitely done for the night. Then I decided I wanted ice cream. (100 degrees over here past few days!) (OK and yes I need something to substitute the alcohol).
My friend texted me and said she's getting ready to have cocktails and said come on over. I went over, and brought ice cream. She offered me a drink about 4 different times. I 50% am not happy with her for that, as she doesn't know my full intent, but she should be getting a clue since this is about the 3rd time I've gone over there and not drank.
Once again very eye-opening to sit there sober with someone pounding the drinks and watch their personality and actions change. The visiting pastor who gave the sermon yesterday mentioned how he used to do the same thing with his friends and then he stopped, and had to stop hanging out with them. But then eventually he made his way back to them, sober and healthy, and was able to set a good example and show that change is possible. I'm hoping that's what I will be able to do someday.
The way you worded this does make sense and I am very happy for you and glad that God helped you.
Thank you again. It's been 12 years now. Haven't been to A.A. for over 6 months now, but that's another story for another day.
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