Drinking…

Definition of an Alcoholic.

Try googling that, and here’s what Webster has to say:

alcoholic noun : a person affected with alcoholism

Fine, then what is alcoholism. Webster tells us that it’s:

1: continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks

2: a chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction

Note: Alcoholism is typically characterized by the inability to control alcoholic drinking, impairment of the ability to work and socialize, tendency to drink alone and engage in violent behavior, neglect of physical appearance and proper nutrition, alcohol-related illness (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver), and moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and confusion) upon detoxification.

Normally, when we think of an alcoholic, we think of someone falling down drunk, dirty, smeely, and spends the majority of their life in a bar. And yes, those people exist.

But they are the minority.

There are millions of men and women who drink

Social and Cultural Reasons

• Social bonding: Parties, dinners, and gatherings often feature alcohol as a shared activity that helps people feel included.
• Traditions: Celebrations like weddings, holidays, and birthdays use a toast or a drink as part of the ritual.
• Peer pressure: People may drink to fit in with friends, coworkers, or family members who are also drinking. [1]

Brain Chemistry and Pleasure

• Relaxation: Alcohol slows down the central nervous system, which lowers inhibitions and reduces feelings of nervousness.
• Dopamine release: Drinking triggers a release of dopamine in the brain, which creates a temporary sense of pleasure and reward. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Coping and Habits

• Stress relief: Some people use a drink to unwind after a difficult day or to temporarily dull emotional or physical pain.
• Self-medication: Individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, or past trauma may turn to alcohol to escape their thoughts.
• Routine: Having a glass of wine with dinner or a beer after work can turn into a daily habit.

Well, let’s take a look at the last group, Coping and Habits, and specifically Stress Relief, Self-Medication, and Routine.

In Deadman, we revisit the territory covered in Broken People, BUT we’re doing it from the viewpoint of the people involved.

Here’s an example of RJ’s conversation with Jewell that picks up on some of that:

    “Thanks,” RJ said. “So, you don’t really know what’s going on in her head.”

    “Without talking to her? No. I can guess, but it might be wrong.”

    “How do you make it go away?”

    Jewell took a sip of coffee. “For me, it took therapy and lots of it. Sometimes, we have to use medications.”

    RJ paused before saying, “I think she’s already self-medicating?”

    Jewell frowned. That wasn’t good news. “Go on.”

    He sucked in a breath. “As long as I’ve known her, Pam has always had a brandy before bedtime.

    “I didn’t know that.”

    “She says it helps her sleep better.”

    That simple statement was enough to set off alarm bells for Jewell. She didn’t show it on her face, but inwardly she frowned.

    “And?”

    “And ever since the shooting, She’s upped it to two brandy’s.”

    “And she still sleepwalks?”

    “She still sleepwalks.”

Pam is drinking to forget. And getting shot didn’t help her any.

Trouble is that it isn’t helping anymore.

More on this next time.