Alcoholism or Addiction Diagnosis

Written by Dan Callahan LMSW

I have been asked on numerous occasions and in varying forms - what is an alcoholic?  What is alcoholism?  Substance abuse? Addiction?  Is the only treatment total abstinence?

The medical definition of alcoholism describes an individual that continues to utilize alcohol despite negative consequences.

Alcohol Dependence would describe an individual that is dependent on alcohol on a daily basis, using increasing amounts and/or frequency.

Substance abuse would refer to an individual addicted to other mind-altering substances

Addiction would refer to a compulsion, belief and ‘need’ to continue doing what you can see is harming you.

More importantly is the question “am I an alcoholic?”   When that question is asked, what they are really referring to is “must I abstain from alcohol or other substances forever”?

What I will explain is simply my opinion.  Whether an individual is an alcoholic or not is, to me, not the primary question that needs to be addressed.  Let me explain:  Let’s first focus on the Twelve-step model. Step one states we admitted we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable.  It does not say we admitted we were alcoholic.

The question that one must pose to themselves is “is alcohol or drugs effecting me in a way that is unacceptable to me, my family, or my community?” The question that is integral is not “why” alcoholism or “what is alcoholism” but “How do I recover”?  Recovery is the key.

In life we are meant to discover.  In fact the reason for Rehab is not what most folks think.  It is  "Discovery"!   Any reasonably minded individual would gather all of the facts before making any major life altering decision. Therefore, how can an individual make a prudent choice of whether they want recovery/life or what they currently live  without first discovering what recovery/life is?

This is not a ticket to continue on a path of self-destruction.  It is quite the opposite it is an invitation to explore what recovery can truly be. Often the individual that is considering rehab sees it as a last resort. They have succumbed to family, friends or an employer/business partner’s pressure to get help.  Personally they can’t fathom living a life of recovery.  Why?  Because they have no idea what to expect with a life free of “partying”.  It is like losing their best friend.  They believe there is nothing that life has to offer to replace the temporary joy they receive from using.

At 16 years of age I remember my mother attempting to get me to take “The Pledge” - an Irish method of getting someone to stop drinking alcohol.  I remember looking my mother in the eye and saying “Are you kidding me?  What would life be without drinking?”  If you are in recovery or know of someone that needs help you have probably heard some variation of this statement a thousand times or more!  It is all we know and comprehend. It is as necessary to us as oxygen.  It is how we think.   Therefore, making a short-term commitment to gather all of the facts together to make a prudent decision is a much more rational approach.  It is simply committing 90 days out of your life span that is probably a good 80 to 90 years. Ninety days out of ninety years?  Not much to ask.

What can someone expect at The Last Resort Panama? The Last Resort Panama's Rehab is distinctive for its comprehensive program and our exceptional teamwork. Through a variety of traditional and nontraditional methods, we provide an opportunity for drug and alcohol recovery, and to gain clarity as to what is most meaningful in your life.  Come take the risk and explore what your real options are.  Find out what it really means to enjoy life.  On September 12, 2008 my good friend Jack completed 48 years free of any mind-altering substances.  Have lunch with Jack or simply meet him once and you will know what it means to enjoy life and not endure it.  As a matter of fact, that is Jack’s mantra “Life is meant to be enjoyed and not endured”.

Addiction is the number one health issue we face.  There is something that can be done and it can be done in an affordable fashion. Some times it takes family, friends or an employer to intervene and demand that the individual cease the use and abuse of mind-altering substances.  For the abuser this is good news.  At the time they do not think so.  It feels like the end of the world is occurring.  They believe they are losing what keeps them going in life, their best friend.  Life is good.  Give yourself the chance that you truly deserve.

Love & Kindness,
Dan J

If you decide for whatever reason that you can't go to Panama to this wonderful retreat, there are several things that you can do whilst you are trying to cut down - or stop - drinking or drug use here at home.  For any kind of ReBuilding it's vital to give the body all the tools and supplies it needs.  A good multi vitamin is essential - and Usana Essentials are the best there are.  You are asking your body to make some big changes...  It's going to have to deal with withdrawal symptoms and there will be a heavy increase in demand on your body's stamina.  The other product which helps - a lot - is MaxGXL.  If you want personalized one-on-one assistance with using glutathione to help kick alcohol or drugs, call 250 881 0499 and tell Andrew that you read about glutathione on ReBuildingYou and would like his advice.  Good luck!

Author’s Bio:

Dan Callahan, LMSW has an extensive human service background dating back to 1980. Dan has been involved in recovery based human service, alcoholism and substance abuse services, forensic services, case management with individuals recovering from mental health issues and recovery based program development. Dan played a significant role in the growth and development of Hands Across Long Island, Inc. the largest and most prominent consumer run mental health agency in the United States. Dan is the co-author of a NYS training manual and program for mental health and correctional service professionals working with parolees with “serious and persistent mental illness”.

Dan’s experience encompasses Residence Manager of Bishop Ryan House, an adolescent home for homeless youth, the Program Director of Hands Across Long Island, Inc and the Executive Director of the Bishop Gerald J. Ryan Resource Center.  Through the years Dan has been fortunate enough to be mentored professionally by some extremely gifted folks.    He was offered flexibility and latitude to attempt methods of engagement and recovery services that were considered outside the box of traditional treatment.  It has been through that flexibility and experiences that the Last Resort Panama has been created.    Dan has a unique method of assisting those with a need to overcome their challenges with addictions.  He has been successful with some of the most difficult of cases.

Daniel J Callahan, LMSW

www.thelastresortpa.com 1-(239) 494-3318 or 1-(866) 501-3366.

If you decide for whatever reason that you can't go to Panama to this wonderful retreat, there are several things that you can do whilst you are trying to cut down - or stop - drinking or drug use here at home.  For any kind of ReBuilding it's vital to give the body all the tools and supplies it needs.  A good multi vitamin is essential - and Usana Essentials are the best there are.  You are asking your body to make some big changes...  It's going to have to deal with withdrawal symptoms and there will be a heavy increase in demand on your body's stamina.  The other product which helps - a lot - is MaxGXL.

If you want personalized one-on-one assistance with using glutathione to help kick alcohol or drugs, call 250 881 0499 and tell Andrew that you read about glutathione on ReBuildingYou and would like his advice.  Good luck! (Julie)