For many people abstinence from alcohol is viewed as the only acceptable outcome to treatment.Well how we view any problem obviously influences the solutions or treatments that we believe possible and/or acceptable. We can also point out that if the (former) drinker is unhappy in abstinence then they will not maintain it, hence, the suggestion that lifestyle changes are required. Like all followers of any pursuits alcoholics often mix with others who share their lifestyles and goals of sobriety, generally through self help or mutual help groups or here.
However if they are to participate in the wider world outside self-help groups they are liable to come into contact with alcohol. Non-alcoholic friends may be supportive and not actively encourage the alcoholic/addict to indulge, however just being in the company of others who are getting intoxicated, or even just consuming, can represent a major temptation to relapse. This temptation is even more acute for alcoholics since alcohol is so widely available everywhere. Indeed the alcoholic often fears that his/her social life will be over and it may take a considerable length of time until they feel that they can socialise at all, and even longer if alcohol is present. Thus total abstinence is a difficult goal to maintain.
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While one can speak about alternate goals and choice, for some there are sound medical reasons why abstinence is essential. In cases where there is severe liver damage and further consumption of alcohol will only exacerbate the problem, stopping drinking is strongly recommended. Thus there can sometimes be very good grounds for abstinence for health reasons and in cases where moderation cannot be achieved. Nevertheless even under these circumstances it is a difficult goal to maintain. But it can be achieved and millions of people throughout the world achieve and maintain abstinence daily. So get your plan & goal and go for it, Change your lifestyle today.
However if they are to participate in the wider world outside self-help groups they are liable to come into contact with alcohol. Non-alcoholic friends may be supportive and not actively encourage the alcoholic/addict to indulge, however just being in the company of others who are getting intoxicated, or even just consuming, can represent a major temptation to relapse. This temptation is even more acute for alcoholics since alcohol is so widely available everywhere. Indeed the alcoholic often fears that his/her social life will be over and it may take a considerable length of time until they feel that they can socialise at all, and even longer if alcohol is present. Thus total abstinence is a difficult goal to maintain.
.
While one can speak about alternate goals and choice, for some there are sound medical reasons why abstinence is essential. In cases where there is severe liver damage and further consumption of alcohol will only exacerbate the problem, stopping drinking is strongly recommended. Thus there can sometimes be very good grounds for abstinence for health reasons and in cases where moderation cannot be achieved. Nevertheless even under these circumstances it is a difficult goal to maintain. But it can be achieved and millions of people throughout the world achieve and maintain abstinence daily. So get your plan & goal and go for it, Change your lifestyle today.
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