Alcoholism, and many other addictions, is an illness...

"We believe, and so suggested a few years ago, that the action of alcohol on these chronic alcoholics is a manifestation of an allergy;that the phenomenon of craving is limited to this class and never occurs in the average temperate drinker. These allergic types can never safely use alcohol in any form at all; and once having formed the habit and found they cannot break it, once having lost their self-confidence, their reliance upon things human, their problems pile upon them and become astonishingly difficult to solve."~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Doctor's Opinion, pg. xxviii~

When you look at alcoholism, and many other addictions, as a valid illness, it is like someone has just turned the light on so you can see the true nature of this problem. It is a problem that does need treatment and ongoing preventative care or there is sure to be a relapse.

When the urge hits, or creeps up on you...

Whever the urge to use or drink springs up on me, I have to step back, relax, say a prayer, and make sure I get to a meeting as soon as possible. Earlier in my sobriety it was crucial to get in touch with my sponsor as soon as possible, but now, 3 years out, getting to a meeting works perfectly for me. Having a sponsor for the first year or two is so important - to have someone to fall back on, or to hold you up while we are in a state of weakness. It's OK because they expect and want you to call them for support. It helps not only you, but them also.

The first step to recovery is always the hardest...

When it becomes apparent that you have a problem with alcoholism, any addiction, or codependency, it is scary - even frightening- to 'let the cat out of the bag' and go looking for help. There are feelings of confusion, shame, anger, and many other possible emotions that well up and block you from getting the help and support you need to start recovery - to get the ball rolling again in the right direction. Many people try to find reasons to put it off entirely, or at least at a different point in time. That my friends, just prolongs and makes matters worst, giving you more time to spend doing things you know are not good for you. Other people might feel they are to hopeless, don't deserve better, or that things are not bad enough yet. There IS ALWAYS a way out and it can be right here and right now. No one has to know who you are or what you've done if that is the way you want it. Just answer one of these posts that appeals to you the most and get started on a new, whole, and happier you. You, we all, deserve that much.