by Will D. Curl

Created on: May 03, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

The first thing we must take into consideration is that Alcoholism is a Illness. Individuals
turn to drinking for many reasons. Some, because they simply like to get a buzz, relax and
have fun. However, some have a more somber justification.
We, as Humans, encounter numerous problems in our lives. While some have the will or faith
to find solace with family, friends and church, others do not. They find comfort and strength

to fight their demons, with alcohol. I was one of those individuals.
I began to drink when I served in the Army. The stress of military life often sent us
running for the nearest drink when free time was alloted. It took us away from the agony
of being far from home, distanced from those we loved.
By the end of Military service I had graduated from beer to whiskey and rum. I drank harder
and longer and without limit. However, I still felt in control. Slowly though, I was
losing the battle. Once I merged into civilian life the stress only grew. I had to
make the transition from soldier to civilian. It was not easy. I was content though,
I still had my friends, Johnny Walker Red and Jim Beam. They never let me down.
I began a job in Management. The stress of running a business was overwhelming. I had
recently married and had a little girl. Taking care of a family added more stress. I
was able to keep my drinking life hidden from my family at first, but not for long.
I began to need a drink more often. I became dependent on alcohol to "take me away"
from my stressed existence. My wife began to notice. I was constantly tired and I
grew more and more depressed. It began to show on my job. My world as I knew it was
starting to crumble.
I had to make a decision. I knew I needed help. I did not want to lose my family and
my career. With the help of my wife and family I turned to the church. I got counseling,
and I began to turn my life around. It was not easy. The urges to reach for a bottle
were beyond imagination. I was lucky, blessed, to have such family, friends and a God
who loved me. I came to realize that my answers to a better life did not reside in a
bottle, but in the warmth of those who cared about me. I have not seen Johnny or Jim
for many years now, and I do not miss them any longer. If you have a drinking problem,
look deep down inside yourself, look around you, find help. Choose to live.

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