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The difference between a drinker and an alcoholic

Escape from this life - photo by Jhon Ceceña
Alcoholism is essentially a habit. It is a very strong habit because it is the operation of a chemical (ethanol alcohol) on the brain. It is extremely direct. It is a habit nonetheless. This is a controversial point. Alcoholism is described as a disease. I don't believe this. This is a politically correct term to help alcoholics.

People who drink, say everyday, without being alcoholic (and I mean this objectively) are able to recognize the stage at which they are during drinking. They understand and keep in mind the downside, the headache and dehydration etc. In other words the brain although enjoying the moment is aware of the situation.

The alcoholic will ignore the downside. They take every drink of vodka (usually) as if it is the first. The first drink that gives them that rush of pleasure. They seek that. They want to recreate that. The pleasure is "getting out" for a while.

They seek that rush. That opt-out from life. They think that it happens every time you drink for the first time. It does not. Beyond a certain amount of alcohol or point in time the downside outstrips the upside. The alcoholics don't recognize this which inevitably leads to a long binge in the case of Jane with disastrous consequences for health, finances and relationships.

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  1. Anonymous9 May 2011 at 21:06

    I just have to comment on the part where you say that 'alcoholics take every drink as if it were the first'. It's more of a maintenance thing, imo. Especially the next day when the withdrawal symptoms kick in. I think an alcoholic knows when they've gone the *hell* path. It just compels them more to drink to create an illusion that it is not happening. Confused? Me too.

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I'd like to hear the experiences of both alcoholics and the victims of alcoholics, please.

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