The Addictive Voice
Hi David,
You asked if the mind or will power plays a bigger role in this cycle of alcohol abuse. I would say it's the mind, as I see will power as component to the will, the same as the capacity to lift something is a component of the strength and condition in my arm, or legs, etc. If I workout and develop my strength I have the capacity to lift more.
But let me ask you this.....how much does our personality type play a role in this dilemma. Let's take myself as an example: I'm what you would call a type "T" personality type, characterized by the need to participate in adrenaline type activities, an "adrenaline junkie" as it commonly referred to. I love to ride motorcycles, it's my passion. Spending time at the race track and dragging my knee around a corner is my habitat. If my bike will go 180 mph then I would prefer to go 190. I love when the tires drift on the edge of traction and I can power slide my bike out of a corner. As strange as that may sound I'm most relaxed and focused when I do that. When I ride my dirt bike it's the same thing, When I ride my street bike I ride responsibly but I see other riders who can cruise along at casual, consistent pace and I don't understand how they can enjoy the experience. I'm not speeding like a nut on the street but I brake later and slow down less as we ride down a twisty road. And after I ride for hours I feel SO relaxed. One thing that is common with people like myself is that when we go for extended periods of time without this "fix" from adrenaline depression sets in. I watched a documentary on big wave surfing and they all said the same thing. If they don't get their "fix" they are SO depressed. I find that creeps into my life in the winter months when I can't ride. Is it any wonder I would seek out the comfort of alcohol abuse to replace that feeling. I've never considered how my personality type has such a profound effect on my perceived need consume alcohol to replace this feeling but I do now.
Additionally, my personality is peppered with a little OCD, because when I get a goal in my mind I'll fixate on the details of perfection of the end state.
Yet these characteristics of my personality cannot be changed. I don't want to change them. They make me who I am and I embrace them passionately. They give me strength. However, I now realize that alcohol consumption doesn't work for me. It's a band-aid solution in a futile attempt to bridge a gap that exists when I'm not in my zone or being true to myself.
Guys (and girls :) ), I know there are many more threads in this web that contribute to what got me here and I'm in the process of deconstructing the elements that gave rise to my alcohol abuse. It's quite the liberating experience and I'm loving it because I'm getting to know myself in a more personal way. And you know what? I like getting to know myself and accepting the good and taking responsibility for the not so good and taking positive steps to resolve those and quiet that voice. I feel happy.
Your thought's Dave? And all that want to discuss?
Regards,
Dave
