How Did You Become An Alcoholic?

How did I become an alcoholic? I could say that it was likely to happen because it runs in my family, and that might be a true statement. Alcohol Use Disorder is considered partially genetic. If you have a close family member with this disorder, you are predisposed to the condition. And as much as I agree with this, I also know that I have the power to end that cycle. We have the power. We can choose to fall into the excuse of genetic generational failure, or we can choose to create a new cycle of generational health and happiness.

That being said, we need the resources and knowledge to be able to make these choices. There are instances in our lives that are the catalyst for major shifts. Shifts that we don’t see coming and sometimes we simply don’t know how to properly deal with them. For me, certain experiences and events caused major shifts in my life. These were upheavals that I didn’t have the resources to deal with, and I didn’t know where to look to find said resources or get help. After each of these events, afraid of judgement and not knowing how to express myself - my hurt, my anger, or my confusion - I suppressed it. I pushed it down and kept it to myself. And eventually, I turned to alcohol. Alcohol was the one thing that allowed me to not feel anything that I didn’t want to. It allowed me to not care what others thought. It allowed me freedom.

In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day

Had I had the resources to deal with these events in my life, would I have felt the need to cope in the way I did? Had I been taught how to talk out my problems would I have bottled it up? If I had learned how to deal with heartbreak would I have felt the need to numb myself? Had I learned how to love myself would I have needed validation from others? If I had confidence in myself and my purpose would I have believed that my addiction allowed me freedom? Obviously, I can’t say for certain, but I do know that after over one and a half years sober, I have sought out the resources and gained the knowledge I need to cope with shifts in my life that would have previously sent me straight into a glass of wine. A fight with my husband, judgement from others, diving into new business, loss, a vision not coming to fruition, any hard and challenging life event - I know that there are other ways to cope than alcohol, and I am willing to put in the time and the work because I am worth it. The next generation is worth it. It’s time to face our fears. It's time to break the cycle of what could be generational failure and begin the cycle of generational wellness.

What failures are you struggling with? What fears do you need to overcome? How can I help you find the resources you need to overcome them?