SUBSTANCE ABUSE/SPIRITUALITY AND AA

BY

Virinder S. Grewal, M.D., F.A.C.S.

ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ASBUSE

Alcoholism/drug abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking/using the substances, which result in harmful consequences for the user, yet, they continue to use. Alcoholism/drug abuse is an incredibly tenacious disease, hurting all members of the user's family in various ways. The non-drinking members of an alcoholic family are not helpless to do anything about it. The prolonged use of large amounts of alcohol/drugs without adequate diet may cause serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis of the liver, loss of muscular control, delirium tremens causing hallucinations. Withdrawal may cause agitation, tremors and seizures. Alcoholics may suffer from lack of concentration "blackouts," memory lapses, complete memory loss and brain damage followed by insanity and death.

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to the suffering alcoholic/Drug Addicts and Alcoholics Anonymous for its continued help, education and realization of the effects alcoholism/drug abuse can have on the different aspects of a person's life and family. It serves as one of the best way that can help to control the number of alcoholics not only in the United States, but all over the world.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Above all I should like to thank my wife, Manjit, for her support to lead her life with few little annoyances here and there with the complaints of being stuck to the PC and apparently becoming an item of addiction. I would also like to thank my three sons Gaggandeep S. Grewal, Manvir S. Grewal, and Amardeep S .Grewal for their support and encouragement in my endeavors of Sobriety. For the Truth that there are many paths for spiritual growth, which one is best depends on the individual choice and in my case it is personal learning and experience of Sikh Faith. I would further acknowledge the support and encouragement given by fellow AA Members to push me in putting this book together.

PREFACE

Alcoholism/drug abuse is a chronic, often progressive disease. Left untreated, it can be fatal.

Alcoholism/drug abuse is characterized by a preoccupation with the substance of choice and impaired control over their intake. You may continue to abuse alcohol/drug despite serious adverse health, personal, work-related and financial consequences. Alcoholism usually involves physical dependence on alcohol, but genetic, psychological and social factors contribute to the addiction as well.



It's possible to have a problem with alcohol, but not display all the characteristics of alcoholism. This is known as "alcohol abuse," which means you engage in excessive drinking that result in health or social problems, but you aren't dependent on alcohol and haven't fully lost control over the use of alcohol.



According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, almost 18 million Americans abuse alcohol. Each year more than 100,000 Americans die of alcohol-related causes. Alcohol is a factor in nearly half of all U.S. traffic deaths.



Alcoholism and alcohol abuse cause major social, economic and public health problems. Various treatments are available, and self-help groups can provide ongoing support for people recovering from alcoholism.



Various treatments are available to help people with alcohol problems. Depending on the circumstances, treatment may involve an evaluation, a brief intervention, an outpatient program or counseling, or a residential inpatient stay. ----Mayo Clinic

The other programs available for sobriety are:

Spiritual- Alcoholics Anonymous

Non-Spiritual:

1. Rational Recovery (RR).

2. Secular Organization for Sobriety (SOS).