The current biopsychosocial disease model of alcoholism is as follow: The biological theory - Suggests that habitual users of drugs or alcohol have a biological abnormality that causes them to become addicted. The theory suggests that certain individuals are genetically predisposed to addiction by a faulty gene or perhaps a chemical imbalance in the brain, which renders addiction an incurable disease!

The psychological theory - Views drug or alcohol addiction as problematic behavior. In other words the individual uses alcohol or drugs to enjoy the effects that these substances have on the mind and body.

The sociological theory - Suggests that societies which produce higher levels of inner tensions such as guilt, stress, suppressed aggression and conflict have higher rates of addiction. Furthermore, the model suggests that societies that are permissive of and encourage such behavior have higher rates of addiction.

You see, millions of people in the United States have parents who were addicted to alcohol, while they are not addicted to substances of any kind, and never have been.

In my opinion, the sociological aspect determines what type of addiction someone chooses, largely due to nothing more than exposure. Therefore, it is important to make a lifestyle change. This may include adopting a new circle of friends and activities that are not conducive to drinking!

Now, of course these are common sense philosophies, and while they all can be helpful, none of them will mean a darn thing if you don't get to the root of what is causing your emotional distress!

It is also no big secret that people enjoy the effects of alcohol! But, why can some enjoy it occasionally while others need it daily? The stark difference here is that the occasional drinker is using it just for that; enjoying the experience while the habitual drinker is using it deaden the pain of their emotional trauma. In many ways, this is a solution for people addicted to alcohol! It gets rid of the need to see the truth and deal with their emotional pain. But, I assure you there is a better way to deal with the emotional pain. One that you can work through in the privacy of your home!

You know, some people think that to overcome alcoholism it's just a matter of having the will to stop drinking, but it is not a matter of willpower at all. For many people, suffering from this addiction it is a temporary solution for deadening the pain of underlying emotional issues. Therefore, most do not crave alcohol because of a chemical dependency, but rather because of the happiness it brings them in removing their emotional pain.

Addiction is not a disease because it is actually a symptom that arises due to the need to deaden the pain of underlying emotional trauma caused by family dysfunction.

Once this emotional pain and trauma is removed and self-esteem is restored, the symptoms disappear, and alcohol will become repulsive to you.

The following is a brief outline of the 5 steps to addiction freedom. Prior to following these steps or any addiction recovery program, take the necessary time to ascertain whether you require the additional support of an addiction counselor or medical attention regrading withdrawal.

1. Step One: Unearth the Square Root

Family dysfunction is the common denominator, or square root of all addictive behavior, and until it is brought to the forefront and confronted nothing will change! This is by far the most important and critical step of the entire process. There are two parts to step one, and they are as follows:

A. Uncovering your family dysfunction

Physical abuse Sexual abuse Verbal abuse Alcoholic parent Controlling parent Inadequate parenting

B. Confront the parent or parents responsible for the dysfunction

The thought of confronting the person that is responsible for your emotional trauma is one the most frightening situations you will face. However, it is also the most liberating and empowering thing you'll ever do! Why do you need to confront your parent or parents? Well, first let me clarify the meaning of the word confront and in what context we are using this term. Confronting the person does not at all mean that you should verbally attack them for your misfortunes. On the contrary, you are not doing this for them. You are doing it for you! The confrontation is not meant to be an attack, but it is rather a chance for you to set the record straight and drop the emotional baggage that you've been toting around.