Alcoholism: My Sympathetic Nervous System

It was a blustery and gloomy morning as I trudged along the weathered pavement to the entrance of the church. My Sympathetic Nervous System was revved up as I anticipated what lie behind the faded and chipped paint door. Upon entering the room I was jovially greeted by a man with a melodious “Welcome!” There were about thirty people from all different lifestyles, huddled in the room around three long wooden tables. Men and women, some appeared jovial and others exhibited a flat effect. The environment was serene and friendly. Many people were socializing and sipping coffee. On the walls were many plaques with different sayings. “ Keep coming back” Let Go, let GOD.” This was an open Alcoholic Anonymous meeting , that meant anyone could …show more content…
So what is alcoholism? Alcoholism or Alcohol use Disorder (which includes a level that 's sometimes called alcoholism) is defined a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems, having to drink more to get the same effect, or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking (alcohol use disorder). Many people (young and elderly) shared their stories ranging from one day without a drink to twenty-five plus years sober. It was extremely humbling to hear their daily struggles with their alcoholism. According to the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism there are approximately 7.2 percent or 17 million adults in the United States ages 18 and older had an Alcohol Use disorder in 2012. This includes 11.2 million men and 5.7 million women. Adolescents can be diagnosed with an Alcohol Use disorder as well, and in 2012, an estimated 855,000 adolescents ages 12–17 had an AUD. Alcohol use affects many people. A young man with three years of sobriety shared his story about his …show more content…
I was grateful that I attended this meeting and how welcoming they were of me. This room was their “safe haven” and I was privileged to be allowed there that morning. They were not judgmental or insensitive, but just normal, everyday people who understood each other. As a nurse I will utilize the information I learned to enhance my understanding that alcoholism is a disease effecting many of our organs and body systems. As a nurses I can also advocate and assist my patients with methods or ways to fight their alcoholism. Thus, one meeting a day or a week, the feedback and support a person receives in Alcoholic Anonymous is essential to a safe and successful recovery “keep coming