by Fred Tolleson

Created on: July 29, 2008

The title: "Can an alcoholic ever drink again?" should be renamed to:"Should an Alcoholic- -"
to be correct. It is highly obvious to me and to the many alcoholics I have counseled over the years, they can drink again! Many of them do and a high percentage of those that try, live to regret the decision.

It is very simple when viewed from the point of view of the bodies reaction to the process. During the drying out process, the chemistry of the body changes to a more normal state. It is no longer being bombarded by highly toxic chemicals that cause a raft of reactions, none of which are truly healthy for the mind or body.

When the intake of these highly toxic chemicals begins again, the body reverts to its former performance with unusual visual perceptions, manifold audio problems, chemical reactions within the liver, kidneys and heart and other places too numerous to mention. The judgement factor, stabilized during sobriety, is cast loose from its anchor and many things are said and done that will later be regreted - just to name a few poor reactions.

The body will usually slide into weight gain situation and soon an extra 20 lbs appears around the belly and torso. This causes undue heart strain, purchase of new clothing and similar social interactions. Sobriety usually brings about weight loss due to improved diet
and exercise.

Upon attaining sobriety, social interactions with those near and dear usually improve significantly. One incidence of intoxication usually tosses most of the new and improved relations out the door. It's as if the loved ones were waiting for the sobriety to end so they could say" I knew it wouldn't last"!

Losing sobriety usually means drinking away from the safety of home and areas where the urge to drink is minimized. Going away from these safe areas to public taverns and bars usually entails driving. Driving to and from work, even on a limited driving license is a major signal that a person has crossed a plateau and is progressing toward sobriety. Loss of the license usually means just the opposite and this often occurs very quickly. Driving while drunk can often mean injury and death, loss of the vehicle and jail time.

To return to the theme of our debate: "Can an alcoholic- - -". Yes they can! We see the results of their impaired judgement on the highway and read stories about them all the time. Tragically, the urge to drink rarely ever leaves an alcoholic entirely. Its like a desire for Oreo cookies - you never really lose all of it. We should recognize the alcoholic rarely has complete control over their bodies as they complete each day of sobriety. One slip and the chemistry that brought ruin to their earlier lives can repeat again and again.

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