Why are obvious physical effects of alcohol ignored by alcoholics?
Because that is the power of addiction. This statement from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous really says it all: Most alcoholics have to be pretty badly mangled before they really commence to solve their problems. For us in recovery, it is really no mystery why alcoholics continue to drink to excess, even when faced with the sometimes devastating physical effects of alcohol. Loved ones are often appalled that we would continue to pour alcohol into our bodies after the doctor specifically said WE WOULD DIE if we took another drink. We may heed warnings and stay sober for a time, fearing for our health or even for our very lives, but without spiritual help, we soon drink again. From my experience, this is the power of alcoholism, and it is an opinion shared by many other recovering alcoholics. We have suffered the emotional, mental and physical effects of alcoholism and tried to quit on our own. It may work well for a while, but that day usually comes and we find ourselves drunk agai
