As with many young adults I experimented with alcohol at a rather early age. And although I have since learned that the problems of alcoholism probably began then, I was unaware of any such problems that my drinking was causing until well into my adult life.

It was not until I had several brief dealings with the local police that it did in fact occur to me that I may have a drinking problem. However I still managed to avoid the entire issue for a number of years before finally deciding that I needed to start doing something about it.

I began with a simple form of diagnosis that involved me monitoring my drinking patterns. Was I drinking more often? Was I drinking alone? Could I stop drinking any time I wanted to? I

I was also able to express the importance of an aggressive maintenance schedule. Stressing the fact that just because you leave the rehabilitation center free from active alcoholism it does not necessarily mean that you will remain sober forever. I still have a sponsor with whom I communicate with on a regular basis, and I still go to meetings as was suggested I do, and I have managed to stay sober.

I now have a better understanding of the factors of alcoholism. Though often from genetic, psychological, chemical or behavioral sources, not all factors of alcoholism are easily recognizable. And though the factors that may lead to alcoholism may vary from individual to individual, the progressive stages of the disease are still very similar. Alcoholism is a progressive disease that usually takes from five to seven years to develop. It is widely accepted belief that problem drinkers become alcoholics when they lose control over the use of alcohol and continue to drink despite the apparent negative consequences.

Diagnosis - When determining the status of a potential problem drinker one must be aware of the four progressive stages of alcoholism. Stage one is the warning stage where the drinker changes from occasional to daily drinks, drinks more each time and often drinks to relieve stress. In the second stage he/she begins to drink alone, then feels guilty about it. More frequent absences from work follow. In the third stage responsibilities are ignored, money is spent frivolously, and he/she often withdraws from family and friends. The final stage often consists of the failing of simple tasks, excuses are no longer made and the possibility of taking other drugs also becomes a danger.

I now have a greater understanding of the patterns of alcoholism and the alcoholic. I am better able to diagnose any potential set backs that may be heading my way. I was determined to rid myself of the negative consequences of my disease so I learned as much as I could handle about my problem and how to effectively diagnose it. I am aware of many of the pitfalls and symptoms that an alcoholic shows. By learning through my own disease I am better able to understand.

Some topics in this essay:
EXPERIMENTATION Recently, REFLECTIVE OBSERVATIONS, Alcoholics Anonymous, ABSTRACT CONCEPTS, CONCRETE EXPERIENCE, Alcoholic Anonymous, Twelve Steps, Maintenance Merely, RECOVERY INTRODUCTION, Twelve Step, alcoholics anonymous, twelve steps, rehabilitation center, treatment maintenance, free active, treatment alcoholism, maintenance program, diagnosis treatment maintenance, struggles alcoholism, treatment program, experiences strengths hopes, steps alcoholics, free active alcoholism, program alcoholics anonymous, invited guest lecturer,