Why Alcoholics Must Want to Change, not be Forced

More than 17.6 million people in the United States are abusing alcohol. The reason for such a high number of abusers is the addictiveness of the product. Alcohol consumption begins for a wide variety of reasons and for some it does not end until that person has almost ruined his or her life. Although alcoholism is a serious illness that can cause damage to the liver, death, and psychosis, people still over drink every day. Most alcoholics have the desire to change in their hearts, but they do not want to be forced. The following are reasons why alcoholics do not want to be forced to change.

Excruciating Withdrawal Symptoms

The most common reason that alcoholics do not want to be forced to change is the physical withdrawal. Stopping alcohol consumption prompts very painful withdrawal symptoms such as headache, nausea and vomiting, heart palpitations, tremors, delirium, and convulsions. Many people fear the withdrawal symptoms and are not sure if they have the strength to survive them. Therefore, a person addicted to alcohol will prefer to stop at a time when he or she is capable and strong enough to quit. Fear is the largest cause of procrastination.

Pride

No one likes to admit that he or she has a drinking problem. An even more undesirable situation is when a person like this is told to cease by a family member, loved one, or boss. The alcoholic may feel a loss of control, which causes anxiety and further irritability. In some cases, the alcoholic will continue to drink or drink greater quantities when a person tries to force cessation. The best way for a caring party to get an alcoholic to seek help is by finding a way to make that person think that it was his or her idea.

Abrupt Loss of “Friends”

Many people with alcohol problems associate with other people who have the same problem. Lifestyles change when an individual has an addiction. Full recovery includes distancing one’s self from former social circles. Forcing an alcoholic to seek help is the same as asking him or her to give up on friends and acquaintances. This might cause a great deal of anxiety and anger in the alcoholic. He or she may feel that there is no support system other than the existing social of friends. This may cause that person to refuse treatment for fear of being alone.

Psychological Dependence

Unfortunately, people who suffer with alcoholism have a psychological dependence on it. Alcohol is sometimes used as a problem solver, escape route, and pleasure provider. The longer a person has been an alcoholic, the more difficult it will be for that person to change the habit of looking to alcohol to solve life’s problems. The thought of not having a way out of conflict and problems might make the alcoholic reluctant to accept being forced to change. He or she may strongly desire to change, but will buck back if someone tries to force the change too early. Every alcoholic has a feeling that there is something wrong and he or she should stop. What slows the progress of getting help is often stubbornness and fear. Family members should never point fingers or make threats when it comes to trying to convince someone to see the best drug rehabilitation specialists. Instead, they should outwardly embrace the person and the addiction. They should be around for chatting, off topic activities, and overall moral support. When that person is able to put the fear aside to make the decision to cleanse himself or herself of alcohol, it will happen with no pressure. META: Every alcoholic has a feeling that there is something wrong and that they should stop. What slows the progress is often stubbornness and fear.***142 CHARS***