We've probably all been there, a few too many drinks the night before and we get up the next morning felling pretty ill. But while we are suffering the effects of that extra drink with our thumping head and upset stomach, spare a thought for the estimated 1 person in 13 in the UK for whom this is a regular occurrence. Its not because they have an unbelievable social life, its due to the fact that for whatever reason they are unable to control their drinking.
For most people alcohol does not and will never present any problem, which is great, but for others it might not be so clear. There are no set rules with alcoholism.
It doesn't select by gender, race, religion, nationality or even how much you have in
the bank. You might say it truly is an equal opportunities illness. Where does this leave you with regards to your drinking, only you can give an honest answer?
With all the conflicting information from the TV and press it's hard to know what is safe and what's not?
Answer the following questions and you should get some idea of the effect alcohol has on your life.
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Is drinking making your home life/relationships unhappy?
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Do you drink to escape your problems/worries?
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Has drink affected your work?
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Have you visited your doctors/hospital because of drinking?
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Are you unable to control your drinking when you start?
If these questions have given you cause for concern, don't worry there is plenty of help freely available. There's the doctors, alcohol concern, the A.A. and self-help groups to mention just a few.
But probably the best place to start is with God and the Bible.
The Bible tells of freedom - being set free and that Jesus offers this freedom.
E.g./ Freedom is what we have - Christ has set us free!
Stand, then, as free people, and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again.
From Galatians 5:1 and
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind;
to set free the oppressed and announce that the time has come
when the Lord will save his people."
From Luke 4:18-19.
When I talk about alcohol its from personal experience, I was a using alcoholic from the age of about 16 to 35. Thankfully I have been totally dry since the 7th Dec 2000 and the benefits of this are immeasurable. On that December morning after being physically ill yet again I looked in the mirror and asked God for his help as I could no longer fight this alone. To my total amazement (at this point I had not yet come to know God) he answered my feeble attempt at a prayer, since then I have come to realise he has been there all along. Fighting alcoholism with God on your side gives you an untold advantage, with this and the special help, love and friendship afforded to all at St Stephen's church, the fight just became easier.
