Alcoholism Recovery And The BAR Cycle

Alcoholism is a serious condition that can lead to losssystem in the history of alcoholism treatment...so much
of employment, family, health...even life. There areso that the 12 steps have been copied for help with
different beliefs as to the causes of alcoholmost other addictions. Part of what makes AA
addiction...genetic, allergy, mental or behavioral. Whilepowerful is that the 12 steps work to eliminate causes
professional diagnosis and treatment are oftenof self-loathing, while building a positive self-esteem.
important, you can do a lot to help yourself, gain controlThe BAR Cycle And Alcoholism Self-help: The BAR
and live in recovery. This article will discuss the natureCycle of human motivation describes a process to
of alcoholism, traditional treatment and self-help usingcontrol human behavior, especially addictive behavior.
the BAR Cycle.Instead of repeating that description here, we're going
Alcoholism-Disease And Addiction: This conditionto jump right into how the cycle can be used to help
usually involves a low self-esteem described ascontrol Alcoholism. The key is the "belief " part of the
"self-loathing." An alcoholic sees the physical stimulationcycle...that self-loathing/self-esteem process. Since
of alcohol as a solution to their low self-esteem, to helpself-loathing is at the root of alcoholism, we need to
in social situations, to provide "courage" or to get overchange our belief from self-loathing to self-confidence.
stress from work or relationship problems. DrinkingLike any addiction, our approach toward changing our
does, in fact, temporarily dull the feelings, so it seemsbelief has to be both general (self-esteem) and
to be of some use. Since it's temporary, we return tospecific (not drinking).
the self-loathing, which has been increased because ofWith self-image, all the steps described in the BAR
our needing alcohol just to live.Cycle article apply, including self-talk, positive attitude,
Alcoholism can have physical "causes" or, at leastelimination of negative attitudes, positive behaviors, etc.
contributing factors. Genetics, diabetes and allergy areAll of these improve how we see ourselves so, over
three that are commonly discussed. Other populartime, we'll feel self-confident without feeling compelled
"causes" are parental example, peer pressure, andto drink.
society. None of these "causes" have been proven toWith drinking, we apply the BAR Cycle to specifically
actually cause alcoholism, because many havereprogram ourselves into other activities that will form
endured most or all of these conditions withoutpositive habits. Many do this with AA meetings,
becoming an addict. Many others have becomevolunteer work, involvement in church, etc. The positive
alcoholic with no evidence of any of them. Regardlessfeedback received from going day-by-day without
of the cause, Alcoholism has proven to be treatable ordrinking and from meetings and volunteer work begin
controllable, though not easily so.to replace self-loathing with a positive self-esteem.
Traditional Alcoholism Treatment: Alcoholics withFor some of us who suffer severe alcoholism,
severe addictions often check themselves in toprofessional treatment is a requirement. The self-help
treatment centers, where medicines are combinedsteps in the BAR Cycle can help us eliminate the root
with individual and group psychological therapy. Somecause of the addiction and permanently change how
of these centers use the AA's 12 steps in addition towe see ourselves. You can move from self-loathing to
other therapy. AA has been the most effectiveself-loving in a matter of months.