DISEASE OF ALCOHOLISM
March 25, from “Strengthening My Recovery” daily reader
“Looking back, things seemed simpler when Dr. William Silkworth wrote his opinion for AA’s ‘Big Book’ in 1939 including his naming alcoholism as a disease.” BRB p. xxvii
“Today we understand that alcoholism is a family disease, but Dr. Silkworth’s opinion was a very bold statement in 1939. Back then it lifted alcoholics from their deep pool of shame. But their children were left to labor under the effects of the disease. They received no help and were usually not even thought of as part of the equation. Parents often excused the effects on their children by saying they were resilient and would “get over it.” But today we know that’s not true -it isn’t nearly that simple. Like the courageous young adults who led the way for us in the mid-1970s, today we in ACA continue to break new ground in uncovering the effects of the family disease of alcoholism. We are discovering solutions that work. We start by acknowledging that for most of us, the damage done to us in childhood was like the trauma soldiers suffer in battle. Then, along with the Steps, we use the sure-fire tool of reparenting ourselves to build our own road to emotional sobriety.
As we make our way, we applaud each other’s growth and empowerment. We encourage each other as we face the painful memories, learn to stop reacting and work on healing ourselves.
On this day I will continue to admit that the disease of alcoholism infected me in the past. By also acknowledging its effects on me today, I find my way on the road to recovery.”
My Experience:
How thankful I am for those courageous folks from the past that recognized the damage this disease inflicts on the entire family. How courageous it must have been to liken the trauma to that of a battle weary soldier. How courageous to think that there was a way to heal a person from this trauma and that there could be growth and even empowerment. I feel the heal, I feel the growth, I feel the empowerment as I face the painful memories and continue on the healing journey. I am grateful that this courageous path of recovery has been laid out for me and all it took was the first step to get on this path. Please join me and take that first step, you won’t regret it!
Blog: www.bkcoates.com
Instagram: bkcoates
Facebook: brian coates
Twitter: @cornbread182