Why I Drink

Lisa from Springfield, MO, asked:

Hey Julie,

Just wondering if you could help me with my heavy drinking of vodka and rum.

I don’t know why I drink. 

I’ll include, my dad was a daily beer drinker.

Thanks,

Lisa

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for your question. It’s one that affects most if not all of us in some way.

Either we have issues ourselves, come from families with an alcoholic or at least know someone who does.

From a spiritual perspective, our spirits choose when, where, and to whom we’re born so our lives can have a trajectory that allows us to explore various topics (like addiction).

Growing up in a home with a parent who drinks a lot often leads to children who follow the same pattern and find themselves emulating the parent’s (sometimes unwanted) behavior. This situation then allows the person to explore what it’s like to have an addiction and have the opportunity to continue with the behavior and all the consequences that ensue or to change the behavior and get well.

Many people believe alcoholism or any addiction, is the result of a character flaw. However, I believe, and research shows, addiction has a physiological cause and is a disease of the brain.

It takes a lot of courage to seek help and you don’t have to do this alone. There are many licensed professionals specializing in addiction treatment who can answer your questions.

Some great resources are:

SAMHSA – (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Substance Abuse Treatment Locator – Information on thousands of state-licensed providers specializing in substance use disorders and addiction.

Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator – A confidential and anonymous source for treatment facilities for substance use and addiction.

Perhaps a next step might be checking out one of these websites to find what help may be available in your area. Then, when you have more information, your next step may be easier to make.

Sending hugs and lots of support your way!