Counting the cost of alcoholism means assessing what my denial, ignorance, and unwillingness will cost me, and my loved ones.
I heard a preacher say about sin, it will take you farther than you want to go; keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost more than want to pay. 1
Counting the cost of My Own Drinking
For the alcoholic, that’s what booze will do to us.
Maybe not every time, but enough times to show us what we are up against: a power greater than we are, who takes us down, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
Yet, we think each time we drink, things will be different. Many times they are; usually worse.
Miscalculating The Cost of Others’ Drinking
When we see loved ones whose drinking habits are not “social,” it may be time to review what we know about alcoholism. It’s not a want of character or will power; it is a disease.
For the families who love someone whose drinking is . . . not just social, unless they seek help in understanding what alcoholism is and how it progresses, they may face a downward ride on an emotional elevator.
Maybe your loved one is just a heavy drinker. It’s good to gain information!
Also, it’s good for us to make changes, too, especially based on information and not our emotions.
Now, what will change?
Counting the cost of denial versus the cost of recovery . . .
For the alcoholic and our families, knowing and admitting when we are licked is a powerful step in the right direction.2
We can take all the time we need to recover and rebuild; but may I urge, hurry up. Alcoholism is progressive and fatal, contributing to mental and emotional illnesses that cripple families.
What’s Keeping Us from Asking for Help?
Celebrate Recovery has developed 8 Principles of recovery, anchored in Christ’s word; they are worth reflection, especially if you have a problem with alcohol, or help someone you love recover.
The first principle is to realize I am not God. . . but there is someone who is.
Untreated alcoholism, our own or a loved one’s, will take us down farther than we want to go, and keep us messed up longer than we want to. What’s worse is untreated alcoholism may exact a price none of us saw coming.
The best thing about recovery, for us and our families is life is pretty darn good sober.
Thanks for reading — please let me know your thoughts on recovery.
Love in Christ,
Sober and Grateful
Footnotes
2A Merry-Go-Round Named Denial
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