QUOTE(cheryl cook @ Aug 25 2005, 05:12 PM) [snapback]980[/snapback]
Why is it that when you look in the obituaries you never see someone who passed from a coureagous battle from alcohalism? Doesn't this disease cause heart,liver,and other diseases? I watched my aunt die from alcohalism, and it was so painful to see. It effected her nervous system and could no longer hold her head up or walk. She weighed 80lbs most of which was poisons in her body that made her look 9 months pregnant. The nurses would have to drain her stomach on a daily basis. Her beautiful blue eyes turned yellowbrown. I am writing this because my brother is on his way to the same thing and i don't know if i can take it again. He just can not be reached. He has gone to AA meetings and had a sponsor. He drinks from morning to night. Along with cocaine. My family is at a loss for help. Thanks for listening and a good cry did me some good too
YES Alcoholism really is a disease. Compare it to diabetes. As long as a diabetic takes their meds. and eats right and exercises then it is under control. There is no cure for diabetes or alcoholism. But there is HOPE. I will suggest to you to work your al-anon program for YOU. Your brother is bound to see a change in you. And hopefully he will realize that someone does actually care about him and his disease. Just remember the 3 C's---you didn't CAUSE it you can't CONTROL it and you can't CURE it. But you can find serenity and peace of mind for yourself. Alcoholism and Addiction--or Chemical Dependency is a sad state of affairs. I have been through the al-anon side for many years and until I started working the al-anon program I didn't really understand the disease--although I thought I did.
Just hang in there--there is HOPE. Just lean on your Higher Power. Look to your HP for guidance.
I will remember you in my prayers.
Need Faith (Barbie)