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By Vicki Diaz


Drinking and driving has once again come to the forefront of public consciousness, as federal agencies push to reduce acceptable BAC limits for drivers. With impaired drivers often responsible, the efforts are understandable and reasonable. Impaired driving, however, is only one event resulting from alcohol misuse, and for those trying to recover, places like sobriety house Asheville are essential.

For the average citizen, mentioning the word alcoholic brings to mind the image of a homeless, bedraggled old man, living on the street begging for money and carrying a paper bag with a can or bottle in it. While this is certainly one possible end result of alcoholism, it is far from the only or even most common ones. People with a disturbing relationship to alcohol live all around us, most would never be suspected.

The definition of alcoholism is somewhat vague, encompassing a compulsive nature of consumption to the detriment to health and social relationships for the user. One of the problems with defining the condition is that it varies so greatly. Someone who consumes a seemingly minor amount of alcohol can still have changes in the brain and body as a result.

The physical effects can take the form of failing organs, and manifest by serious problems with withdrawal. The mental side is the uncontrollable desire to consume alcohol even knowing the costs in health relationships and resources. The efficient businessman who is a regular at the upscale bar is as affected as the homeless woman panhandling for cash.

The problem is insidious, and changes the chemistry in the brain permanently. One who has the disease can successfully quite drinking, but will be continuously tempted to restart. If they do begin drinking again, the result is not as if they start at the level they had when they quit, but as if they had never quit at all.

Avoiding alcohol is more difficult than one might think. Not only is it readily available at almost every social gathering one might attend, advertising for alcohol is one of the most prevalent types of promotions, promotion are everywhere. With billboards, radio and television descriptions constantly and effectively portraying the fun and cool use of the product the dangers are well hidden.

For those who have become dependent, the first step to recovery is get completely sober, an endeavor that may even require medical help and observation. Then the really tough part begins, one must decide they no longer want alcohol to be a part of their life, and really mean it. The decision must be honest and is deeply personal, sobriety can not be forced on anyone, unless they are incarcerated.

Getting sober may require medical supervision for some, and once one has finally become sober, stabilizing their lifestyle and keeping busy are important second steps. Finding a place to stay can also be complicated for one who has been on the streets or lost their home due to the addiction, but there are supportive organizations. The sobriety house Asheville is an excellent example of a supportive place for those seeking to regain a clean and sober lifestyle.




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