The Wizard Knows all... he will give you the answers

1) Am I an Alcoholic?

If I have to take a drink today, chances are I have a problem. If I cannot stop with one drink, chances are good I am alcoholic.

2) Am I an Addict?

If I continue to use drugs despite negative consequences, the chances are good I am an addict.

3) Is Addiction a Disease?

Since 1956 addiction has been recognized as a disease by the American Medical Society. It is a Primary disease that has it's own signs and symptoms.

4) How am I powerless over my addiction?

Look at your life and how it's been going. Have you lost a job, relationship, family .... have you missed work, unable to pay your bills.....this is powerless.

5) Am I a bad person if I have an addiction?

In no way am I a bad person, this is a stigma put on people with this disease by others that do not understand it.

6) Do I miss work often?

If I start missing work often, like develop a monday and friday syndrome....chances are good there is a problem. Too sick to get up on monday morning? This is one of the signs and symptoms.

7) Why is my self esteem low?

I feel less than for many reasons, sometimes it started very young, in childhood, and sometimes it is the disease and stigma that makes me feel this way.

8) Should I blame anyone for my problem?

If I blame anything I should only blame the disease, it is not my fault I have this disease....nor is it my parents fault....remember you have a disease, very similar to Cancer and Diabetes.

9) Should I be ashamed of my addiction?

I do not need to feel ashamed, because I have a disease....would you feel ashamed if you had Cancer?

10) Should I feel guilty?

You are not totally responsible for what happened while under the influence, but once you enter recovery it now becomes your responsibility and you have to be accountable.

11) Is there help for a person like me?

There is always help, it is never to late...treatment works and so does recovery. All you have to do is be honest with yourself and be openminded.

12) Is addiction genetic or environmental?

Science is leaning toward it being more genetic, as it runs in families, but the environment is also a part of it. We do need to change people, places and things.

13) Is there a cure for addiction?

Sadly to say addiction today cannot be cured, but it can safely be put into remission for the rest of your life, if you so choose.

14) Is recovery for everyone?

Most certainly, if you are of sound mind there is no reason you cannot achieve recovery, even some of us that are really sick can and do achieve it.

15) If I get into recovery, will I relapse?

If you were to ask me that seriously, I would have to say ...yes, but on the other hand you don't have to....it all depends on you and remembering the pain of your addiction.

16) What is a twelve step program?

The original 12 step program is 63 years old this june 10th...it started in 1935 with four people and it is a fellowship of men and women with a desire not to drink or use. There are many, many twelve step programs for almost anything going today. The original program is that of Alcoholics Anonymous.

17) How can I change my family?

It's very simple.....I cannot, they will have to change themselves.

18) Is there help for my family also?

There are 12 step programs for the family ranging from the very young to adult. A few are...Al-anon, ala-tot and ala-teen.

19) I want to stop drinking and using, but I'm scared?

This is a normal reaction....one clue that is very simple, I have to have the desire to stop, no one else can make me. It boils down to... I have to surrender to win.

20) If I get into recovery to please my family, will it work?

Plain and simple.....NO!!... I have to do this for myself, it won't work any other way.

The Wizard Thanks You for asking.......

E-Mail me: erenwall@iname.com

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Thanks for stopping by: Edward J Renwall LCDC,ARPS,PER...Houston, TX This page updated 03/25/2004