Blinded by Alcohol

When we fall into the trap of alcohol addiction, we struggle to recognize the detrimental effects it has on our lives and how others perceive us. We convince ourselves that alcohol is a friend, bringing joy and relaxation, but this notion could not be farther from the truth.

Alcohol clouds our perception, numbing our senses and preventing us from confronting our issues. While it may temporarily dull our pain, it also dulls our entire experience of life.

Recently, I was saddened to learn about a former schoolmate who, once prosperous and running two businesses, fell victim to excessive drinking and gambling. His increasing vices led to betrayal by his business partner, resulting in the loss of everything he had worked for. He turned to drugs, which made him unreliable and unemployable, and he now faces eviction and potential homelessness.

Alcohol transformed him from a successful entrepreneur into a victim of his circumstances. When we relinquish our control to alcohol, we adopt a mindset of powerlessness, blaming others for our plight and justifying our drinking habits. We often deflect responsibility, insisting that our problems warrant a drink, rather than acknowledging our role in creating them.

A Victim's Perspective

I only recognized my victim mentality after gaining some perspective. As a sober individual, I observed drinkers and those trying to quit, seeing reflections of my past behaviors in them. I noted how many blamed their drinking on work stress, poor relationships, or past traumas.

I had done the same. I had faced challenges, using alcohol as a coping mechanism instead of confronting my problems. I was infatuated with drinking but now see that I was on a misguided path, believing I had no power to change my situation.

The Road Less Traveled

The truth is, I could have turned my life around with three straightforward steps:

1. Take full responsibility for my life.
2. Allow myself to confront pain without resorting to alcohol.
3. Develop a plan to tackle my issues, commit to self-improvement, and follow through.

Although these steps seem simple, they require dedication. Since quitting alcohol, I've realized it is a poor temporary solution, akin to placing a bandage on a significant wound that requires proper care.

The Never-Ending Cycle

Many drinkers endlessly lament their problems without taking action. My old friend, once successful, has the potential to regain that success, but he chooses to blame external factors—luck, fate, and the system—rather than taking charge of his life.

Adopting a victim mentality allows us to rationalize our drinking. We tell ourselves that our circumstances are so dire that alcohol is the only solution. However, drinking will never resolve our issues.

I often used my problems as an excuse for drinking, telling myself, "I've had a rough day; I need a drink." This reasoning was flawed; the day had already occurred, and I didn’t need alcohol—I wanted it. What I truly required was a better strategy to:

• Process my emotions.
• Make informed decisions.
• Manage stress.

I mistakenly conflated my wants with my needs. While oxygen is essential for life, alcohol is not.

You might be unaware that you're acting as a victim or surrendering your power to the alcohol industry. Companies have marketed alcohol as the sole remedy for our challenges, suggesting it is indispensable to celebration. This is a misconception; a fulfilling life can exist without alcohol, though it necessitates tough choices.

Better Choices for a Fulfilling Life

Drinkers possess the ability to choose their actions. If you can choose to drink, you can also choose not to. I often justified my drinking with various excuses, believing that socializing or unwinding required a drink.

The victim mentality serves to shield us from accountability. If you find yourself thinking, "I must drink because…," it’s time to reconsider. Instead, assert: "I don't need to drink because…."

Should you notice a victim mindset creeping in, remember that you have control over your choices. Transforming your mindset may be challenging, but it is within reach.

We are the navigators of our lives, so let's embark on a journey toward sobriety, health, joy, and abundance.

Discover essential insights before consuming alcohol. This video outlines critical considerations that everyone should know about drinking.