Alcoholism CureBefore we talk about any alcoholism cure, we first need to establish the definition of cure in relation to addiction to alcohol. Although I personally refer to myself as a cured alcoholic and drug addict, that does not mean I can go out and use alcohol and drugs recreationally. Even when you are "cured" you must remain abstinent and here's why.Alcoholism is caused by a disruption or depletion of neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily dopamine in the reward pathway, but other neurtransmitters like serotonin, GABA and endorphins are involved as well. The cure for alcoholism lies in restoring balance to dopamine and the reward pathway, as well as other neurotransmitters. Once that is achieved, then cravings for alcohol and drugs disappear and staying sober is no longer an issue. You don't struggle to abstain and you no longer want to drink. This is being cured. However, if you pick up a drink again, it will once again deplete neurotransmitters and your cravings will return. You may get away with it once or twice, but it won't take long and you'll be on the vicious merry-go-round of addiction once again. Although most people end up back on the merry-go-round with one drink. The good news is that once you let your neurotransmitters recover and the overwhelming drive to drink subsides you really no longer care that you must abstain. Honestly, I can tell you that I have been sober for 23 years and I never, ever think about alcohol or drugs. It is a non-issue in my life. You can learn more about this approach, which is called biochemical restoration, and how I have used it in my own life in my book, Get Sober Stay Sober: The Truth About Alcoholism. The alcoholism cure can be achieved by addressing all the issues that overstimulate and disrupt the reward pathway and deplete neurotransmitters, which include sugar, caffeine, nicotine, child abuse and neglect, excessive stress, hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, nutritional deficiencies, environmental toxins, food allergies and sensitivities, adrenal fatigue and hormonal imbalances. You can read about neurotransmitters and addiction in more depth on the following pages: Understanding Alcohol Addiction The cure for alcoholism does not lie in character defects, a higher power or admitting powerlessness. It is primarily about restoring balance to your brain chemistry. However, restoring brain chemistry does often include creating a new identity, values and lifestyle and finding spiritual fulfillment. The most effective and complete alcoholism cure will be holistic in nature, it addresses the psychological, biochemical and spiritual. The beauty of neurotransmitters is that they are connected to each of these aspects and enables healing in all arenas. There can not be good spiritual or psychological health with overstimulated and depleted neurotransmitters. |
