According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol use disorder "is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences." That's the "drinking and trouble" connection members of AA often talk about.
On the basic issue of stopping drinking and trying to keep things simple, AA's Third Tradition states that "the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking".
Adding that touch of reality necessary to recovery, an AA friend asked, "Who would have a desire to stop drinking other than someone who drank too much and got in trouble over it?"
With sincere hope for the success and good intentions of anyone participating in this year's Dry January, that's a question to keep in mind for anyone planning on a just plain February.
Note: Photo is NOT the author.
rjgaydos@gmail.com
Bob Gaydos is writer-in-residence at zestoforange.com.
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