For over 5 decades, countless Malayalees have been blessed to immigrate to the USA for a new life and improved standard of living. Full of our cultural heritage and strong values, we the 1st generation toiled hard to raise our respective families, and to build our places of worship (churches/temples). We helped secure our children’s futures providing abundant financial support and top education to maximize their career and future prospects. Despite all these outstanding personal achievements, a deep and excessive craving for alcohol also, sadly, took root within many US based Malayalees. As a result, many individuals and families have now lost their grip on life and live in desolation.
As a recovering alcoholic of 10 years, I am here to honestly proclaim that: Recovery is truly possible through sincere effort from the individual and families! For the past 5 years, I have been blessed to host a weekly virtual group meeting, for people with a desire to stop drinking. These meetings have been a tremendous source of comfort and relief to those who actively attend. Anyone with a desire to stop drinking can join our meetings, to share in the experiences of recovering alcoholics and to learn how to stay sober. All are welcome to attend this FREE Meeting.
Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting:
Every Sunday at 7:00-8:00 pm (CST)
Zoom ID #: 895 4085 7558; Passcode: 045456
Together, let us now examine the ever-increasing dangers of alcoholism which now appears widespread throughout our communities. WHO, Medical science and insurance companies have all termed alcoholism as a disease/sickness. The statement “Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic” is very true because even if a person stops drinking (whether on their own or through treatment) relapse is still a constant possibility.
Many people first start consuming alcohol for fun, due to peer pressure or just for the sake of company. Some family/cultural backgrounds view alcohol consumption with a fashionable affectation. It is seen as a sort of social lubricant, a stress reliever, or for sheer fun. Most people can somehow remain responsible social drinkers who possess good self-control and a disciplined lifestyle.
Unfortunately, some people develop an ever-increasing dependency on alcohol. With time, they cannot function without alcohol because they have become dependent on alcohol. Thus, they are now an alcoholic. Unfortunately, the alcoholic will not admit that he has a problem, and the family does not understand that he is sick. They keep blaming and accusing the alcoholic for his behavior and for the damage that he is continuing to cause. The alcoholic’s ego and false pride prevent him from admitting that he has a drinking problem. This is where genuine AWARENESS is needed. The addict has lost his thinking capacity! His brain forces his will to satisfy him with alcohol. He has lost all control. His life is now fully consumed with alcohol: getting and staying drunk are his sole priority. The addict and his loved ones must realize that the person is sick. Treatment is the only viable option, and the earlier, the better too!
How do you know that you or your loved one are an alcoholic? In this era of social awareness, a simple Google survey of “Am I an alcoholic?” will clear any doubts.
For starters, here are a few basic questions:
1. Have you ever felt that you should cut down on your drinking?
2. Have you felt annoyed by others criticizing your drinking?
3. Have you ever felt bad or guilty about drinking?
4. Have you ever had a first drink in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of your hangover?
A positive response to two or more of these questions is indicative of potential alcohol dependence and warrants a more thorough evaluation for further diagnostic testing and/or treatment.
There is no use in blaming the person who is addicted. Family, friends, church or community members must proceed with a loving approach to the individual to instill the need to seek immediate treatment. Arguing, fighting or blaming will only make the situation worse. A friendly, loving and caring approach, with a lot of perseverance, is needed to succeed in convincing the addict to finally seek help. If you are successful, you have overcome the major obstacle. As soon as you get the addict’s permission to seek professional help, take Immediate action because he is liable to quickly change his mind.
Alcoholism is a sickness that is covered by health insurance. The family should contact their medical insurance company to discover his current coverage and available treatment options. Across this nation, there are so many effective rehabilitation centers. In most cases, the first stage of rehabilitative intervention will be detoxification of the addict (a process of cleaning one’s internal system from the accumulated toxins). This will be followed up by a lengthy period of a variety of counseling sessions. In most cases, 21 to 30 days of treatment is covered by medical insurance. Then the addict can reenter life with a changed mind. To remain sober in a post-rehab, the addict will still need to be an active participant in a support group such as Alcoholic Anonymous (AA). The more meetings one attends, the faster their recovery will fully take root. AA Meetings are readily available in all cities and all over the world. A simple Google search will reveal all available in-person and virtual meetings in your desired vicinity and/or time preference too.
The saddest part of this family disease is that the spouse and family of the addict continue to suffer immeasurably. Many families suffer from an untimely death, serious health conditions, financial struggles, emotional-mental distress, moral failures, divorce, suicide, depression, lasting effects of trauma and/or ongoing community shame.
Dear Spouses,
For your own peace and sanity, always remember the 3 Cs of Al-Anon: You are Not the CAUSE, Not the CURE Nor in CONTROL of your spouse’s escalating alcoholism! You are and Never will be any of these! Remember, you are not the only one going through this struggle.
Al-Anon is a worldwide support group for loved ones of addicts (spouses, parents, adult children, siblings, relatives, friends etc.) who find comfort in these informative weekly group meetings. Now, we have even organized the first ever group for only US-based Malayalee women who meet virtually and weekly. Anyone struggling with their husband’s or loved one’s addiction are welcome to join this FREE group Meeting.
Al-Anon Meetings every Thursday at 8:00-9:00 pm CST. For Zoom details, further information, inquiries or for personal testimony, please contact me via cell or email.
Thomas Iype
(713) 779 3300
thomasiype@aol.com
