Samuel was a twenty-eight-year-old cost estimator who was fed up with feeling depressed on a daily basis and tired of his abusive and unhealthy drinking behavior. Stated simply, he missed his old drive for doing the things he liked, he was annoyed with himself for spending his hard-earned money on a useless habit, he hated the hangovers he experienced on a regular basis, he was tired of going through shattered relationship after shattered relationship because of his constant drinking, and he was sick of feeling weary every morning.
Moreover he was disgusted with how out-of-shape he was, he was fed up with paying for alcohol-related attorney fees, he was bored with his drinking friends, he was annoyed with the many times he failed to pass an alcohol test at work, and he hated the fact that he had to go to court for his second DUI.
Above and beyond the noticeable alcohol-related health problems he now experienced, conceivably the most troublesome part of his drinking behavior was the undependable and devious individual he had become. In his heart of hearts he knew that he had been less than truthful about his drinking behavior to his family, friends and relatives and he also knew he had been less than truthful with himself about the “positive” outcomes of drinking. What is more, he rationalized gulping three or four drinks before going to social events and he also made excuses for needing a few drinks as soon as he awakened so that he could deal with the “tension” at his place of employment.
His Depression and His Irresponsible and Heavy Drinking Lead to Significant Life Changes
It was apparent that Samuel was sick of putting up with the adverse consequences of his depression and his abusive drinking and finally made up his mind that something important had to change in his life. So he decided that he would refrain from drinking, get professional counseling, start exercising, involve himself in some worthwhile hobbies, develop a new circle of friends, and start focusing on becoming a more healthy person.
In short, Samuel got to the point in his life during which he comprehended that he hit a low point in life and was now ready to begin the gradual and slow road to health.
One of the ways that Samuel put his “plan” info operation was by asking for a transfer at work. When his request was granted, he moved 650 miles away to a new state. If nothing else, this unquestionably made making new friends and disconnecting himself from his old friends and buddies easier. Then he phoned a healthcare professional in his new city and made an appointment for a comprehensive physical exam.
Samuel Meets With a Healthcare Professional About His Excessive and Irresponsible Drinking and His Depression
After meeting with the physician and going through a number of laboratory tests, it was determined that Samuel had crossed the line from alcohol abuse to alcoholism and consequently was in need of alcohol detox and alcohol rehabilitation. At this time, the doctor made it a point to discuss the different signs of alcoholism, the symptoms of alcoholism, and information about long term effects of alcohol with Samuel.
The healthcare practitioner then told Samuel that it was determined that he was clinically depressed and in need of counseling for this medical problem.
Samuel Decides to Fortify His Body by Taking Vitamins, Drinking Spring Water, Living an Alcohol-Free Lifestyle, Eating Wholesome Foods, and Working Out
Due to his enthusiasm for following through with the rehabilitation therapy, after seven weeks of inpatient rehab, Samuel was ready to start treatment on an outpatient basis. At this point, he began working at his new job and over the weeks began fortifying his body by eating wholesome foods, taking vitamins and minerals, living an alcohol-free way of life, drinking spring water, and exercising.
Samuel also dealt with his spiritual life by joining the local Presbyterian church and going to the weekly services.
After approximately eight weeks of outpatient rehab during which time he never suffered through a relapse, Samuel stopped going to alcohol therapy and instead started going five times per week to local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Attending these meetings helped Samuel continue his alcohol-free style of life, they gave him the support he sought after, and they served as a steady reminder of the negative consequences that are associated with hazardous drinking.
After going to AA meetings roughly six months Samuel felt that he was ready for a relationship and so he started going out with Andrea, a young lady he met at church. It clearly amazed Samuel how much more prepared he was for a dating relationship now that he had his excessive and careless drinking under control. In truth it also amazed Samuel how much better life was now that he wasn’t under the control of his excessive and hazardous drinking. Life was now joyful and full of potential that he could have never yearned for or made real when he was engaged in hazardous drinking just a few short months ago.
A Success Story That is a Statement of the Importance of Alcohol Rehabilitation and the Power of Positive Change
Samuel’s success story is a tribute to the relevance of alcohol rehabilitation and the power of change. As Samuel reflected on his newfound self-respect and motivation for involving himself in worthwhile, healthy activities, he was actually appreciative that he made up his mind to do something positive about his hazardous and abusive drinking rather than giving into his depression and into the lure of his addiction. The result: he is in control of his life rather than letting himself languish under the control of his alcohol addiction, his life now has a positive direction, he enjoys his new job responsibilities, he has more energy now compared with any time in his adult life, and he is involved in a caring relationship.