Originally Published: October 4th, 2024

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I am an alcoholic.

I was once ashamed of this label.

Ashamed of its stigma.

I now accept this fact about me.

Why?

When I eventually accepted I am an alcoholic (took close to 30 years), I surrendered to this life threatening physical allergy I have to alcohol, an allergy that eventually leads to jails, institutions and/or death.

Alcoholism is a progressive disease, proven again and again by those who enter the the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous, don’t work the program, then go back out to try some “controlled” drinking.

Some never return to the program, ending in death.

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This allergic reaction I have to alcohol is craving. My body craves more. My mind obsesses over it.

Only another alcoholic will understand this.

This article, recently shared to me by a fellow alcoholic, explains the allergic reaction of craving:

The Alcoholic Allergy – Ventura Recovery Centre

The only way I can prevent this allergic reaction of craving for alcohol is by never taking that first drink.

Like someone with a fatal reaction to seafood, my epipen is a 12-Step program.

A 12-Step program is a true gift of fellowship and a daily reprieve from drinking based on my spiritual condition – when I work the program.

My life is so much better now, because I accept and am no longer ashamed I am an alcoholic.

S, 🌻

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