An Alcohol Addiction Perspective
He arrived at our treatment facility to clean up from years of alcohol abuse. John was in his mid-forties with a military background.
At first his detox was very trying. Without going into details, it’s safe to say coming off a regular consumption of 26oz of vodka, required some medical attention. With swollen ankles and yellowing eyes—clear signs that his body was under serious strain and that his liver was beginning to fail.
With proper medical treatment as the first address, the physician asked what his next step was. When replying to get treatment the physician signed off immediately to continue his recovery steps.
Medical stabilization was the immediate priority. Once his condition was addressed the physician asked John what his next step would be. When replying to enter treatment, the physician approved the plan right away, allowing him to continue on the path toward recovery.
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When Healing Required Going Deeper
At one point in treatment, John reached a standstill. Despite his willingness to engage and the ongoing support of his counsellors, something deeply unresolved prevented him from moving forward. He began to lose hope, believing he was beyond repair and that stable sobriety was out of reach.
A case manager’s careful review of his file revealed a critical gap. While John’s military background had been discussed, the true nature of his duties had not. When this was explored, it became clear that John had served as a sniper and carried unresolved trauma from that experience.
The guilt, shame, and regret that followed him into civilian life had been silently undermining his recovery. Once this trauma was finally acknowledged and addressed, John was able to begin healing at a much deeper level.
A Turning Point in Recovery
During the first stages of treatment, John began to realize that his condition was far more serious than he had believed. This awareness marked an important turning point, helping him understand that he was finally on the right path and that continuing his recovery was essential.
As counselling and self-reflection progressed, John experienced significant internal change. Old behaviours surfaced and were addressed as part of the process. Helping John recognize that these patterns were once coping mechanisms—but ones that ultimately led to harmful consequences—became a major breakthrough. And it opened the door to acceptance and allowed him to begin exploring healthier ways of responding to the challenges of everyday life.
Some situations may trigger an emotion of anger, and others may trigger sadness or anxiety. What is the method to address these triggers? Each required a different approach, and through counselling, he discovered practical ways to address them. With this understanding, John gained clarity and confidence about how to move forward.
Recovery Beyond the Substance—What Alcohol Couldn’t Heal
This is the true story of a good man who, in many ways, lost his sense of humanity. Alcohol became a way to cope—to numb painful memories, to escape, and at times, to shut down entirely. Like John, most people carry personal trauma from their past.
While those experiences are deeply individual, the ways people try to cope with the resulting emotions often vary. For many, drugs or alcohol become an easy and familiar solution.
When substances are involved, access to deeper truths becomes difficult. Drugs and alcohol tend to numb the body first, then the mind, and eventually the very qualities that define a person. It’s important to remember that most people struggling with addiction are fundamentally good people. Many are intelligent, capable, and possess strengths that become buried beneath substance use.
As John’s recovery progressed, he sought meaningful ways to take responsibility for his actions. While he could not undo the past, he found a path toward acceptance and accountability, allowing him to live with his experiences and move forward with greater purpose and intention.
Anyone who has caused harm—or been harmed—can begin to heal once self-medication is removed. Recovery opens the door to clarity, responsibility, and the possibility of a more engaged and meaningful life.
When Alcohol Takes Its Toll—Moving Beyond It’s Impact
Dealing with your own alcohol use—or that of a loved one—can feel like a constant uphill battle. The arguments, missed opportunities, lost productivity, and countless moments of joy overshadowed by alcohol can take a heavy toll on everyone involved.
The first essential step toward change is removing alcohol from the person’s environment and body. Detox, including medically supervised detox when necessary, provides a safe and effective starting point. However, detox alone is not enough. Without follow-up treatment, counselling, or rehabilitation, it’s all too easy to slip back into old patterns. In fact, research and experience show that longer, comprehensive treatment programs often lead to the most lasting and meaningful recovery.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, know that help is available and recovery is possible. The first step can feel overwhelming, but reaching out for guidance opens the door to support, understanding, and real change.
Our experienced addiction counsellors are here to listen without judgment, provide practical tools, and help you navigate each step of the recovery journey. Whether you need advice on detox, ongoing counselling, or finding the right treatment program, we can guide you toward a path that works for your unique situation.
Take the first step today—contact us and start moving toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. You deserve the chance to heal, and we’re ready to help you every step of the way.
Marc J. Bernard
Author,
Substance Use Disorder & Recovery Professional,
Referral & Consultation Counsellor
