You May Know Your Type, But Do You Know Your Types of Alcoholics?

According to the NCADD, alcohol is the most abused substance in America today. The tangible consequences of the disease are plenty: decreased health, increased crime, public safety issues problems, marital and family life issues, immense economic repercussions…the list goes on. However, many of the psychological consequences of alcohol abuse remain unrecognized.

In fact, many alcoholics in states like San Diego and around the nation are not even aware of their own addiction, thinking that a bottle of wine at the end of a hard workday every day isn’t hurting anyone. Treatment centers work to define alcoholism, not simply by the number of drinks one consumes, but by the psychological influences of drinking. Because of the complex psychology behind this disease, treatment centers try to educate people about the wide spectrum of alcoholism.

There are many types of alcoholics. Although there are obvious patterns, it is important to recognize that not every alcoholic is the same, and neither is the appropriate treatment. One of the most important distinctions is recovering versus suffering. Suffering alcoholics inhabit a world controlled by alcohol. Lacking the tools needed for recovery, suffering alcoholics easily slip back into dangerous behaviors, lost in what appears to be an endless cycle of addiction. Many suffering alcoholics in San Diego even deny their psychological suffering.

Suffering alcoholics are, in short, stuck, alone and lost without guidance, support or love. High functioning alcoholics who maintain the illusion of normality are generally those who suffer the most psychological pain. The secrecy and avoidance of any path of recovery increases the power of the disease, placing suffering alcoholics far from the road of recovery.

The top treatment centers in San Diego understand that recovering alcoholics are still addicts. However, this group is also generally willing and ready to take the needed action to solve their problems.

Being a recovering alcoholic is not simply about not drinking. Recovering alcoholics must attempt to live a life that does not rely on the thought or promise of alcohol. They try to find alternative solutions to life’s problems. Those in recovery recognize that recovery is work. It is a process. It requires guidance, dedication and openness. Recovering alcoholics recognize their addiction, and they are willing to take the necessary steps to help themselves and the ones they hurt, even if they fail at times. In fact, failure is understood as part of the path to recovery at many treatment centers.

From San Diego to the East Coast, centers help alcoholics recognize their triggers and create personalized steps to change their lives and their ways of thinking for the better.

Saja Chodosh is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, a Content Marketing Agency. Information provided by Miramar Recovery Center.

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