Alcoholism has a broad reach. It can effect anyone and to any degree. To be an alcoholic one does not have to be in the gutter or even drink every day. One description of alcoholism is when one drinks to alter his or her mood and has a problem as a result. What the “problem” is could be open to interpretation. For example, driving under the influence of alcohol certain poses a problem and if there is an accident as a result then there is a tangible problem. However, a problem may be the simple act of altering your mood. Whenever you do that you are robbing yourself from either facing a problem you need to face or from connecting with your “true” self where there is real peace of mind. So, one could see having a glass of wine with dinner has creating a problem. The problem in this case would be however limited you are distancing yourself from who you really are. A disconnection from the self causes emotional problems that can lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and relationship problems. Perhaps it’s a matter of degree. If you drink at all it might be worth the effort to reflect on why you drink and how you really react to that drink. Are you distancing yourself? Are you avoiding a problem? Are you trying to solve a problem? Do you really like what you are feeling when you drink? What problem, however small, might you experience as a result of your drinking?
Wendy Hill, M.A., Ph.D. candidate (2013) has been in private practice in psychotherapy and hypnotherapy in San Diego and Encinitas for over thirty years. As a therapist and counselor Wendy specializes in transforming self-defeating core beliefs. Her therapy includes using hypnosis and counseling to treat anxiety, depression, addiction, childhood abuse, sexual abuse, relationships, self-confidence, and life challenges. Her website is www.wendyhill.com.