alcoholics/non-alcoholics and AA

IronGland

I realise this question is off-topic for this forum but I believe this forum moved away from it's original intent long ago, and is now just a social place to talk to others with a similar background. anyway...

I've got a friend who has recently begun going to AA meetings. She tells me that an 'alcoholics' body breaks down alcohol differently from a non-alcoholic and the difference in metabolism is what differentiates between an alcoholic and non-alcoholic. In other words, she has been told, in effect, that an alcoholic gets more pleasure from alcohol due to biological differences. I believe that peoples body's are basically the same and psychological issues are more to blame for severe alcoholism. Whats the deal on this? Links to relevant scientific studies would be appreciated.

If AA helps people deal with their alcohol problems, i'm all for it, but my gut instinct tells me that this whole thing with 'you are an alcoholic because your body is different ' sounds like BS. I've already tried to search on this but didn't find any relevant info on what she was talking about (just in case anyone thinks i'm just being lazy.) My view is that alcohol is just like any other coping mechanism, it just has some really nasty affects on your life if you abuse it, and some people, for whatever reason, are more likely to do so regardless of the consequences. I'm also of the opinion that perhaps she is confusing cause and effect. In other words, perhaps there are some differences in an alcoholic vs non-alcoholic body, but the difference is due to the years of alcohol abuse,not that the persons body was different in the first place. Can anyone help me out, or point me in the right direction for research?

Francois

" I realise this question is off-topic for this forum but I believe this forum moved away from it's original intent long ago, and is now just a social place to talk to others with a similar background. anyway..."

I think you need to rethink your premise old boy. Of course you can believe what you like, and you can state it too. But it seems like you're going around your elbow to get to your ass. Why don't you just ask your question and leave off your light-weight justifications and redefinitions? It's not necessary, and it's likely to piss off some of the old-timers here.

Do what you want, pardner, but as they say, a word to the wise is sufficient.

francois

IronGland

Do you disagree with me that this forum often contains discussions that are not related to JW's? Sorry for the disclaimer in my original post, I was just trying to explain why I was posting a completely non-JW question. As for the pissing off 'old timers', I dont give a shit. Why on earth would my post irritate anyone? Besides. no one controls this forum except Simon, anyone else can piss off. I really want some help with my question.

Edited by - irongland on 6 January 2003 19:51:31

Banshee

I am a recovering alcoholic. I will do my best to help answer your questions.

Alcoholism is a threefold disease. There is the physical aspect, the morality aspect and the spiritual aspect. We alcoholics are affected physically, morally and spiritually by our disease.

I have heard that, a few years ago, a study was done at University of Michigan re: mapping human DNA & genomes. There was evidence showing that the cadavers of alcoholics who died of complications of their disease had a genetic difference from the cadavers of people who are not alcoholics. The study linked this genetic difference with how alcoholics metabolize alcohol vs. how people who are not alcoholics metabolize alcohol. I actually saw a copy of the article, a fellow alcoholic in recovery showed it to me...however, I do not have any useful links for this info.

A good place to find out lots more about alcoholism (and perhaps they can help you locate copy of article about the study at U of M) is www.aagrapevine.org Another resource that would likely be of help in learning more about alcoholism is http://www.hazelden.org.

Take care!

---Banshee

moreisbetter

Dear IronGland,

I for one appreciate you bringing up this topic. The subject has become very interesting to me over the past year.

Edited by - moreisbetter on 6 January 2003 20:11:8

Edited by - moreisbetter on 6 January 2003 22:9:19

Shutterbug

Alcohlism, seems to run in some familys. Also Native Americans seem to have a tremendous problem with this disease, if it is truly a disease, and I'm inclined to think so. Personally, not drinking has never bothered me, but I thought not smoking was going to kill me. Since I have some understanding of addiction, in general, I think any organization who can help (AA) should be supported.

IronGland

Thanks for the link Banshee. What do you guys feel is the difference between someone who just drinks alot and an alcoholic. My opinion is that when one's drinking is causing problems in their life and they continue to put alcohol first, they are an alcoholic. For example, some would say I drink quite a bit, however, I don't get mean, I don't drive drunk and I don't drink if I have other responsibilities to attend to. As everyone is aware, some people drink and get extremely mean or emotional or just behave erratic and don't seem to realise it while they are doing it. I am aware of the difference in myself while I'm drinking and I'm aware that alcohol is responsible and am able to control my emotional response to it. Some people start drinking and become completely different people and it's scary. You can say to them "you realise that you're drunk and aren't acting rationally" and they still just dont get it. I dont understand that. When I drink I'm aware of who I am and where I am. No one has ever accused me of acting like a fool. I get a bit friendlier,more talkative, but I dont act like an idiot. Why do some people just lose it when they drink? No offense to anyone here, but has anyone noticed that women tend to get really insane when they drink more so than men. I realise that is broad generalisation and is perhaps only based on my personal experience,but it really seems to be the case. (waiting on the daggers from all the women here )

Sabine

I have to agree with ya Iron, based on my own experience of course. I can "handle" one martini, or maybe two glasses of wine with a hefty dinner. If I go beyond that, I usually get very depressed and weepy...jezz what fun. If I don't get depressed while drinking (which I can do if I really space my drinks out) usually the next day I'll be depressed.

I have taken several college courses on alcoholism and chemical dependency, thinking I might go for a degree in counseling. I was taught (around 18 months ago) that women have less of the enzyme that helps metabolize alcohol than men. So in women, alcohol tends to go straighter into the blood system, especially as we age or abuse alcohol.

Prisca

Irongland,

I agree with your observations of alcoholics and the effect alcohol has on them, as opposed to others that may over drink occasionally, but still be in complete control of their thoughts and actions. I had a very good friend that is an alcoholic. He cannot go through the day without drinking at least a 6-pack. He will start by having a couple at his favourite drinking hole and when he comes home, he will knock back several more, drinking right up until he goes to bed. Socially, he can be an embarrassment when he has too many, as he loses control of his emotions, often becoming abusive and paranoid.

FWIW, I probably would be considered an "old timer" here, but I don't think your thread is off-topic at all. Sure, it's not to do with JW issues, but many JWs do/did have a problem with alcholism, and even if you are not an alcoholic, we all know someone who has the problem. So this thread is relevant, IMO.

IronGland

Thanks for your comments Prisca. The thing is, I drink on a daily basis. I'll drink a beer or three and a few glasses of wine, catch a buzz,but still not act like a mental case, so it doesn't really seem to be related to quantity or frequency of drinking. I guess some people are just not very introspective and don't bother to think about what motivates them to act the wat they do.

As for the comments about old timers. I'm an older timer than many of the 'old timers' on this board. Getting a high post count by typing "yeah" and "I agree" or "Good Post" is a cheap way to gain seniority,even if it actually mattered.

Edited by - irongland on 6 January 2003 21:9:23

alcoholics/non-alcoholics and AA

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