WHAT IS ALCOHOLISM?

Some people are born with an inherited, genetic DISORDER a biochemical imbalance within the brain some physicians are calling Reward Deficiency Syndrome.  If these people never take a drink, they will not become alcoholics.  If these people start drinking, they will eventually develop the DISEASE of alcoholism that leads to emotional, mental and spiritual dysfunction.  There should be no shame associated with alcoholism, any more than there is with having cancer.  Neither of these diseases is caused by environment or upbringing although difficult circumstances can lead to drinking.

ALCOHOLISM IS DUE TO AN IMBALANCE IN BRAIN CHEMISTRY.*    

If not treated, alcoholics develop symptoms of mental illness (used to be called “insane”), may be incarcerated, and die 20 years earlier than their normal life span.  Approximately 50% of alcoholics die of complications from alcoholism.  Alcoholism is a life threatening disease that cannot be controlled or eliminated by will power.  Addiction professionals estimate that 1/5000 can quit drinking on their own.  Those are not odds worth testing.  Professional help is necessary.  And, there is good news for alcoholics.  When a biochemical treatment program is followed, alcholics can live meaningful, productive, and fulfilling lives without relapse and without unwanted debilitating emotional and mental symptoms.

*American Society of Addiction Management

ARE YOU HAVING A HARD TIME WORKING THE 12 STEPS?

Prolonged intake of alcohol creates severly dysfunctional brain chemistry making it hard to concentrate, remember, and stay motivated.  If  brain chemistry is not restored, sobriety is a continuing uphill battle.  When alcohol toxins stored in the fatty tissues of the body are unexpectedly released into the blood stream, cravings and anxiety can suddenly be overwhelming, months and even years after the last drink.  Our ARISE Alcohol Recovery Sustained Sobriety program restores the brain and body to normal so that working the 12 Steps becomes posssible with a clear mind and a healthy brain and body.