Alcoholism and Fear

Curiosity about recovery

Fear Mixed with Alcohol

The primary cause of alcoholism is not positively known in the present knowledge of the problem. Nor do we believe that the cause in most instances is singular, but usually a combination of causes.

However, we are of the opinion that to date that one of the best-defined psychological cause for alcoholism is the one given in Sobriety and Beyond that defined the cause of alcoholism as “Fear mixed with alcohol.” By this is meant that the average alcoholic is a drinker who has an abnormal fear.

Although this tendency is present in most human beings to a certain extent, it is emphatically obvious in the alcoholic personality, and because of emotional damage, which now may not even be in the consciousness, will cause abnormal insecurity and fear. If such is mixed with a regular intake of alcohol, the fear element is released and dominates the personality.

Likewise, fear maybe instilled from childhood, and through regular alcoholic intake, is accentuated beyond control. Thus, we find that the basic ingredient in every alcoholic personality is an abnormal fear element that lies behind and motivates most of the abnormal and inhuman behaviour of the alcoholic. This which is so trying to, and misunderstood by, those nearest and dearest to him.

This abnormal condition of fear is responsible for the four basic traits found in every alcoholic:

sensitivity,
childishness,
egocentricity, and
grandiosity.

These are usually operative in the area of the subconscious. They are manifested in the consciousness by

irritability,
defiance,
pouting,
bragging,
quarrelling,
loneliness,
depression,
elation,
reticence,
aggressiveness,
stubbornness,
determination,
dishonesty,
nervousness,
restlessness,
frustration, and
selfishness.

The Key to Helping an Alcoholic

All these “quirks” of the alcoholic personality stem from the basic abnormal fear motive. It is the reason that an alcoholic must be approached, not with the idea of correcting the above “faults,” but with the hope of instilling faith and confidence to offset the basic element of fear.

It is also the reason that criticising, condemning, making fun of, or frightening the alcoholic only accentuates his alcoholism because it only deepens his fear and insecurity. A normal person who pouts does so because he has been hurt; on the other hand, when the alcoholic apparently pouts he often times does so because he has been frightened.

It is true that his fears are very abnormal, but it is also true that they are present, and we must face facts and not indulge in wishful thinking.

Practically every alcoholic who has achieved sobriety, has achieved it, and maintains it, because someone, somewhere, rebuilt his human confidence, and thus led him again to a confidence and faith in a Higher Power, which ultimately is the only real security.

Thus the responsibility of the alcoholic is to stop drinking and then find, with help, those things in their personality which are holding them in the grip of alcoholism.

Once identified and accepted each person surrenders, stops fighting the problem and begins to live the answer – recovery based on a Higher Power other than fear.

After; Sobriety and Beyond by Father John Doe, (1953) BMT Guilde. Minneapolis

Sobriety and Beyond
Father Doe traces the spiritual roots of Alcoholics Anonymous and explains the fundamental and enduring truths contained in the Twelve Steps. This is a wonderful resource for discovering the spiritual contentment, mental peace, and everyday joys to be found in the Twelve Steps.