by Carl Hose

Created on: October 30, 2009

If, by using the word overcome, you mean "to deal with addiction (alcohol or drug) successfully," then sure, you can overcome alcoholism. I have a feeling, though, that many people think of overcoming alcoholism as defeating alcoholism. I worked in a drug and alcohol inpatient facility for eleven years. There's one thing I can tell you without hesitation: You don't defeat addiction until you die sober.

Alcoholism is with you, as is any addiction, your whole life. There will never be a time when an addict is not an addict. Any alcoholic or drug user serious about recovery and staying clean will tell you the same thing. The minute you forget you're an addict, or the minute you believe you can control the disease, the disease will kick down your door and drag you back into its black, painful void.

This isn't as bleak as it sounds. You can get clean and live a life free of addiction. You can stop hurting yourself and stop hurting those you love. It's as simple as never picking up a drink again and as hard as never picking up a drink again. You have to take it one day at a time. Don't start thinking about never drinking for the rest of your life. That's too far ahead. Don't set yourself up for failure by putting high expectations on yourself. Don't talk about how long you already have clean. Talk about being clean today. That's all you really have. Yesterday can't be changed, tomorrow hasn't happened yet. Applying these principles of thought to your life won't make your alcoholism go away, but it will keep it at bay.

Alcoholics and drug addicts can live clean, healthy lives. They can keep the door closed on addiction. An alcoholic never has to pick up another drink. Alcoholics Anonymous and your sponsor can help. If you are an alcoholic who hasn't begun the treatment process, you can seek treatment in a rehabilitation center. There are state funded programs available if you can't pay.

You won't be able to defeat alcoholism until you die clean and sober. Defeat only happens when the war is won and a victor can be declared. You can win individual battles, however. Those happen every day of your life, and each day you're sober is another skirmish won. Be happy with who you are, live life on life's terms, and don't let the wolf in the door.

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