by Raymond Howarth

Created on: November 20, 2009   Last Updated: November 22, 2009

Alcohol abuse is not a disease it's a way of life in my opinion. I spent 5 years in a relationship with a lovely girl with huge problems, it wasn't until the 3rd year that her problem with alcohol came to light and I was informed by her family that this wasn't a new problem. Georgina drank to dull the pain of problems in her past and to help her feel good about herself.

There was no disease involved, yes she had withdrawal symptoms the 20 or so times she tried to quit just the same as a smoker has but to a much greater extent of course....scary stuff I can tell you...and when she got clean it was back on the downward spiral for her straight away as her thoughts were more lucid and she hated herself and had vivid memories of her grave past of abuse and neglect, soon she would be back on the drink and return to the lovely girl I met and loved. We tried many many oh so many times to get through it as she recognised that alcohol addiction was a huge problem for her but to no avail and eventually we split, however I did stay friends and tried many more times to help. But without her wanting to live without alcohol she failed to quit every time.

It is as I said a way of life for her which she enjoys and she is happy, the health risks mean nothing to her, this is why I say it is not a disease because there is no physical or mental thing keeping her drinking, it's her past life. I've since found out that years before this she was taking heroin and before that she was a gambling addict. Just going through life trying new things to dull the pain.

Putting someone in hospital or a clinic is not the answer in my opinion, it is of course necessary at times but doesn't stop them drinking, issues in their lives need to be addressed and the causes of such behavior. I don't in anyway wish to preach to those who are or who have been alcoholics as I am not one myself but I'm sure each and every one of you had some sort of trigger to crossing the line and until that trigger has been dealt with, I don't envy your struggle.

This article isn't meant to say if I'm right or wrong, it's how I feel about the affliction due to my own experiences with Georgina, and as for Georgina herself, well she is now married and very happy but unfortunately still drinking and this I think is how she will stay. For some the pain of facing up to certain things is too great and I am just grateful that although her excessive drinking is harmful, she didn't choose THE final solution to her problems and I wish her all the best......

Georgina's real name has been substituted as I felt it would not be prudent to air her problems publicly..

Thank you.

Learn more about this author, Raymond Howarth.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.