AA Doctor’s Opinion

Central Pillars of AA: The Doctor’s Opinion

Addiction is an issue that plagues millions of people around the world. Alcoholism has impacted countless lives and can be difficult to overcome. However, it was Dr. William Silkworth who first recognized that alcoholism was not just a physical problem—it was also an issue of the mind.

Prior to Dr. Silkworth’s research, alcoholics were viewed as moral failures or degenerates—and were often treated as such. But Silkworth’s work changed all of this by showing that alcoholism is primarily a psychological disorder, with both physiological and psychological components that need to be addressed for effective recovery to take place.

Silkworth’s most famous contribution was The Doctor’s Opinion – a paper he wrote outlining his views on alcoholism and addiction treatment based on his observations of more than 10,000 patients he had worked with over the years.

The paper helped to revolutionize how we view alcoholism today by emphasizing its mental aspects rather than simply viewing it as a physical vice or character flaw – thus setting the stage for modern addiction treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.

He proposed what he called “the allergy theory,” which posited that alcoholism is caused by physical and psychological sensitivities to alcohol, rather than by moral failing or lack of willpower. This discovery revolutionized the way we view alcoholism and paved the way for more effective treatments for alcohol dependence.

Keep reading to learn more about The Doctor’s opinion and how we can help you get the treatment you need.

Dr. Silkworth and his Opinion

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The Doctor Writes – “Men & and Women Drink Essentially Because They Like The Physical Factor”

Men and women drink because they like the effect that a few drinks of alcohol create. Even when the drinking brings them nothing but devastation, they can’t stop. It’s at this point that

“they are restless, irritable and discontented unless they can again experience the sense of ease and comfort which comes at once by taking a few drinks—drinks which they see others taking with impunity.”

The Alcoholic Life Seems Like The Only Normal One

Almost every alcoholic comes to a point where they know that alcohol is damaging their lives. However, they cannot, after a time, differentiate true from false. It gets to the point where the alcoholic life seems like the only normal one. They continue to ingest something that they know will make them emotionally unstable and could cause permanent brain injury because they rely absolutely on alcohol to make them feel better – even when they know they shouldn’t.

Once they get to a place where they want to stop – according to the Doctor’s opinion – they must find both physical relief and an approach to help relieve their spiritual malady. It must be frankly admitted that alcohol is a problem, and an essential psychic change is needed. Only with extraordinary possibilities will ex-problem drinkers understand the urgent importance.

One of the most important things Dr. Silkworth discussed was the spiritual remedy.

The Spiritual Remedy

Dr. Silkworth believed that the only suitable remedy for alcoholics was for them to unite together so that they could share with one another their experience, strength, and hope—as well as provide mutual support and encouragement along their journey to sobriety. Without abstinence and without connection with other alcoholics, there would be very little hope.

The doctor’s opinion was of extreme medical importance, as it described the disease model of addiction and discussed how alcoholism is really an “allergy” to alcohol. He describes the mental obsession and the pathological mental deterioration that comes from alcoholism.

The allergy consists of two now well-known stages in the AA world: the physical allergy and the mental obsession. It is a physical issue and a disease of the mind.

Understanding Alcoholism as an Allergy and a Disease of the Mind

This complex condition of alcoholism can affect anyone, regardless of social or economic status, gender, ethnicity, or age. It is important to understand what it means for alcoholism to be both an allergy of the body and a disease of the mind in order to better comprehend this illness.

What Does It Mean for Alcoholism to Be an Allergy?

When we talk about alcoholism being an “allergy”, what we are referring to is the phenomenon of craving that occurs when alcohol enters our bodies. This physical craving is limited only to alcoholics and never occurs in the average drinker. In essence, alcoholics become powerless and lose control over their drinking once they have taken in even a small amount of alcohol. This is where working Step One correctly and surrendering becomes so important. Because once a true alcoholic begins drinking, they are hit with the phenomenon of craving and the outcome is far from certain, and usually not positive.

What Does It Mean for Alcoholism to Be a Disease of the Mind?

Alcoholism is more than just a physical problem – it is also a mental and spiritual disorder that affects how we think about ourselves and our lives. The mental aspect involves an obsession with alcohol — a preoccupation with thoughts about drinking or alcohol-related activities, such as buying or obtaining it, finding places where it’s available, planning when or where to drink, etc.

This obsession is not necessarily conscious — it may exist beneath the surface but still, have an effect on your behavior. A person with alcoholism will feel compelled to drink even though they know it will cause them harm in the short term and long term.

The Alcohol Must Experience an Entire Psychic Change

According to the Doctor’s Opinion, unless a person can experience an entire psychic change, there’s little hope for them to recover from alcoholism. After a psychic change, the very same person who before seemed doomed to suffer a life of alcoholism finds themselves able to control their desire and stay away from drinking.

A psychic change involves a transformation of one’s perspective on life, which can vary greatly from individual to individual. The change in priorities, worldview, and self-image helps to clarify what is truly important and equips alcoholic people with the discipline needed to navigate recovery successfully.

Achieving a spiritual awakening is a personal journey that can align with one’s religious beliefs or be based on inner peace. Techniques like meditation, spiritual work, and self-reflection are effective ways to embark on this change. By working on oneself and one’s outlook, the chances of successfully achieving and maintaining sobriety increase.

It was during the course of Bill Wilson’s third treatment with Dr. Silkworth that the doctor started to realize that sharing the experience with other alcoholics was crucial. This was essentially Dr. Silkworth’s description of AA without calling it that yet. He recognized that there is rapid growth inherent in sharing these experiences with others because self-reliance would not lead people to the spiritual experience necessary to stay sober.

The Physical Health Component of Alcoholism Must Also Be Addressed

Alcoholism is at least in part a physical disease and because of this, medical treatment may also be necessary to begin the process of recovery. To help an individual heal, a “definite hospital procedure” is often needed. This simply means the individual needs time to detox this poison from their body.

Hospital detox is one such form of medical treatment that can help individuals with alcoholism reduce their withdrawal symptoms, protect their bodies from potential health risks associated with alcohol abuse, and provide them with medication to help relieve their cravings.

During a hospital detox, individuals are monitored 24 hours a day by experienced medical staff who can help ensure their safety during this period. It’s important not to forget that withdrawing from alcohol can be dangerous, so you should always do so under the care of a medical professional.

Alcoholism is NOT A Moral Failing

Alcoholism is not a moral failing or lack of willpower, nor is it something that can be overcome with just understanding and education alone. It is a medical condition with physical and psychological effects that require professional treatment to overcome successfully. By recognizing addiction for what it really is—a medical condition—we can provide better support for people suffering from alcohol use disorder so they can get the help they need for recovery.

Alcoholics constantly hear from their loved ones that they should just stop.

“Why can’t you just give up drinking for your family’s sake?”

“You’re too smart to keep drinking.”

“You will lose everything – why don’t you just say stop?”

There’s likely truth in the frothy emotional appeal, but it misses the truth of alcoholism – a person is powerless over their disease. If it were this easy to quit, people wouldn’t keep drinking. They wouldn’t die and end up in jail, except for drinking.

The Power of Alcoholics Anonymous in Dealing With Alcoholism

Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the most successful organizations in helping people with addiction, with a rapidly growing fellowship. Millions of people have been helped by this organization and its 12-step program to get their lives back on track. For many, it’s a lifesaver. But what makes AA so successful, and why should you consider attending meetings?

The Power of Community

Perhaps the biggest advantage that AA offers is a community and positive relationships. It’s difficult to go through recovery alone, but AA gives you the opportunity to meet other people who are facing the same struggles as you are. The doctor’s opinion emphasizes that being surrounded by other alcoholics can make all the difference when it comes to staying sober and not succumbing to your addiction.

The success stories shared at meetings can provide motivation and inspiration for those just starting out on their journey to sobriety.

People Who Understand You

Addiction isn’t something that you can easily explain or even understand if you haven’t experienced it yourself, which is why talking to someone who has gone through similar struggles can be so helpful.

At meetings, you won’t be judged or criticized; instead, everyone will be understanding and accept where you are in your recovery journey without passing judgment or giving advice. Just simply talking about your issues—and hearing other stories—can be therapeutic in itself.

Unconditional Support and Love

At an AA meeting or even in an AA chat room, you will always find unconditional support from others who have walked in your shoes before. There is no greater feeling than being surrounded by people who genuinely want what’s best for your well-being and are willing to do whatever it takes for you to stay on the path of sobriety.

Having this support system can make all the difference in ensuring that one relapse doesn’t turn into two or three relapses—or worse.

Why Should I Read The Doctor’s Opinion?

The Doctor’s Opinion is a great resource for anyone looking to understand more about their own or someone else’s substance use disorder. It provides a comprehensive overview of the causes and effects of addiction that can be used as a starting point for further exploration into what it means to live with addiction or help someone with addiction issues recover.

Reading The Doctor’s Opinion has many benefits for both individuals struggling with substance abuse and their loved ones who may be seeking guidance on how best to support them through their recovery journey. For those struggling with substance abuse, reading this opinion may provide additional motivation and hope that recovery is possible if they are willing to put in the hard work necessary to achieve it.

Furthermore, family members of an alcoholic may find comfort in knowing that they are not alone in trying to support someone through recovery while also learning more about what they can do to help make a difference in their loved one’s life during this difficult time.

Treatment You Can Receive for Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious condition that requires professional treatment to recover. If you or someone you love is struggling with AUD, there are various options available to help them on their path toward sobriety. Below, we’ve outlined some of the different types of treatment that can be used to address alcohol abuse and help individuals find lasting recovery.

Detoxification: The first step is detoxification, during which the body rids itself of all traces of alcohol. Detox can take anywhere from three days to several weeks and should always be done under medical supervision for safety reasons. During this time, symptoms such as nausea, sweating, insomnia, anxiety, and agitation may occur as the body adjusts to being without alcohol.

Inpatient Programs: These programs require participants to live at a residential facility for an extended period of time, typically about 30-90 days depending on the individual’s progress. Inpatient programs provide 24/7 support and assistance with managing withdrawal symptoms from alcohol use disorder, as well as teach clients special techniques for dealing with cravings and relapse prevention strategies.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): This type of program provides intensive treatment during the day while allowing participants a return home at night and on weekends where they can practice coping skills learned in treatment. PHP typically takes place anywhere from 4-6 hours per day over a period of several weeks or months.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): IOP is similar to PHP but often less structured and with fewer hours required each day – typically 2-3 hours each day between 3 and 5 times per week over a period of 8-12 weeks. Clients attending IOP are expected to participate in group meetings regularly while also pursuing other aspects of life such as work or school commitments outside of therapy sessions.

Outpatient Programs: Outpatient programs allow participants greater flexibility in terms of attendance. Clients are typically required to attend group meetings twice per week for up to two hours at a time over several weeks or months.

Sober Living Homes

Sober living homes can provide a safe, supportive environment for individuals recovering from addiction. These homes provide residents with 24-hour support and help them to develop the skills necessary to maintain sobriety while transitioning back into the community.

One of the biggest benefits of sober living homes is that they offer a safe space away from any triggers or temptations associated with addiction. By being in an environment that is free from these influences, residents are able to focus on their recovery without fear of relapse.

The structure of sober living homes also helps individuals stay on track with their recovery goals. Residents must adhere to set rules such as adhering to curfews, attending 12-step meetings, and completing chores around the house. This helps build accountability for their progress and gives them a greater sense of responsibility for their own sobriety.

Additionally, sober living homes can provide a sense of camaraderie and community for those in recovery by allowing people going through similar experiences to bond over shared stories and struggles. This can be invaluable in terms of providing comfort and understanding during such a difficult time in one’s life.

Overall, sober living homes offer an array of benefits that help individuals transition back into society while maintaining sobriety over the long haul. It is an invaluable resource for those looking to overcome addiction and regain control of their lives.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous can provide a supportive and encouraging environment to help on your journey to sobriety. One of the major benefits of joining AA is that it provides access to a trusted social network of other alcoholics who understand the challenges associated with addiction.

AA offers members an opportunity to work through their struggles in a safe and secure environment. Group meetings provide participants with an outlet to talk openly about their experiences with alcohol and how they are coping.

In addition to providing emotional support, AA also helps members learn new skills for managing stress, managing cravings for alcohol, and building better relationships with family and friends. Members are taught various methods for dealing with urges and triggers which could lead them back into unhealthy habits or behaviors related to alcohol use.

Finally, Alcoholics Anonymous offers valuable information about healthy lifestyle choices such as eating nutritiously, getting regular exercise, attending therapy sessions, seeking out spiritual guidance as appropriate and using medication when necessary.

Contact Us for Help Finding Treatment Options

If you or someone you love is struggling with a substance abuse problem, help is available. At Rehabs Of Armerica, we understand that it can be overwhelming and confusing to know where to start when it comes to seeking treatment. That’s why we will help you figure it out.

Our team has extensive experience working with individuals and families struggling with addiction and alcoholism, as well as providing resources and support in finding quality treatment centers throughout the country. We have a deep understanding of the various options available when it comes to recovery services, including detoxification, rehabilitation programs, outpatient services, transitional housing, and aftercare planning.

We are here to listen without judgment and provide guidance based on your individual needs and circumstances. Additionally, our experts will assist you in verifying insurance coverage for treatment programs so that you can make an informed decision about care.

If you need help finding a treatment program or have any questions at all related to getting started on your path toward sobriety, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!

All calls are completely confidential, so please reach out for help in confidence now!