October 8

al·co·hol·ism

/ˈalkəˌhôˌliz(ə)m/

noun: alcoholism

an addiction to the consumption of alcoholic liquor or mental illness and compulsive behavior resulting from alcohol dependency.

"He had a long history of depression, drug abuse, and alcoholism."

What is in the “-ISM” of your alcoholism? Often it’s characterized by the consumption of alcohol in the number of drinks or ounces. Defined in the D.S.M. (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) as a “craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol.” But I don’t think the dictionary definition or the D.S.M. really covers it. From an early age, we addicts and alcoholics don’t feel like we fit in. We felt apart from and not a part of. Some of us think “ISM" stands for Incredibly Short Memory, or I Sabotage Myself. I personally felt that I Separated Myself (ISM) in all aspects of life. I separated from you, from a Higher Power, and most of all, myself.

Reflections

How do you define your “ISM”?

Daily Challenge

When you listen to someone today, do it with your whole being and really connect.