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Primary Characteristics of an Alcoholic 11/17/2015 6:01:11 AM
Today I was reminded of the work of Dr. Tiebout, a pioneering figure in the treatment of alcoholism and early supporter of Alcoholics Anonymous. He concurred that "the characteristics of the so-called typical alcoholic are one who is narcissistic with an egocentric core, dominated by feelings of omnipotence and intent in maintaining, at all costs, their inner integrity." In a careful study of a series of cases regarding the alcoholic by Sillman, Dr. Tiebout reported that Sillman felt he could discern the outlines of a common character structure among problem drinkers and that the best terms he could find to describe said group were "defiant individuality and grandiosity." Tiebout concurs with Sillman and states, "inwardly the alcoholic brooks no control from God or man. The alcoholic is and must be the master of their destiny." Tiebout continues, "granted the more or less constant presence of these character traits, it is easy to see how the person possessing them has difficulty in accepting spirituality and God. Spirituality, by its demand that the individual acknowledge the presence of God, changes the very nature of the alcoholic. So, if the alcoholic can use the spiritual tools of recovery and accept the concept of the presence of a power greater than themselves, then he or she by that very step modifies presently and possibly permanently his or her deepest inner structure and when done so without resentment or struggle then they are no longer typically alcoholic."
In my own experience with the disease of alcoholism, the belief in God in and of itself is not enough, as I had always had a belief in God. That belief must also carry with it the component of TRUSTING in God to the point of making a decision to turn your will and your life over to His care. All we have today is contingent upon our relationship with God - in this day and in this moment.
