It starts with a botle of beer or glass of wine. At a teenager the effect comes sooner. It feels different. Inhibitions
are let go off. Reality is blurred and fun is had by all. For some the joy is followed by loss of lunch or a major hangover. This slows many down. To others, it is merely a stepping stone until next weekend.
In time consumption increases. Body tolerance becomes more acceptable. Where two drinks made a buzz, now it''s a six pack and eventually a case. In some instances, too many, drugs are introduced. These also begin slowly and innocently. Mixed with the alcohol an entire new effect occurs. They are torn between the lessor of two evils. Hopefully no young people reach this point, however they do.
Alcohol when used in moderation like anything else is sociablely accepcted. It is drunk during meals, over contracts, at functions, and other social affairs. Millions is made over martini lunches. So when is too much too much? At what point does it become a poison?
If alcohol is taken only for the sake of feeling efffect, a problem may arise. Should one get drunk solely to escape reality, a crisis may be present.
The stages of
alcoholism are slow and insidious. They are reached at different times by each person
afflicted. The end result is the same. Once afflicted with the disease, there is no cure. Final stages of alcoholism don''t have to result in death, but does all too often.
Teens can overcome excessive intake of alcohol and drugs if stopped young enough. This piece though is about ones who don''t. Cause is always resulting in effect. If they did not take the drink in the first place, they would not have thrown up supper. Had they left the joint alone, they possibly would have made it home in time. Alcohol is a fantastic eraser.
It wipes away remorse and guilt. Until one gets sober again that is. The habit of wanting to drink evolves into having to drink. Day by day one drink becomes another and so on.
Countless men and women have overcome bouts with alcohol. They have moved on with their lives. It''s those who have not who matter too. Dying one day at a time through abuse of alcohol is painful. In cities and towns are homeless people living on borrowed time. All they know is stemming to get enough for another jug.
What could have been done to prevent persons getting to this point? Is there a solution or pill to end this demise? Unfortunately the answer is no. Only through medical intervention and therapy can it be arrested.
In part two the avenues of recovery will be explored more in depth. There is hope.