407
Thirst is a normal physiologic reaction. Usually it indicates a need for water. If this most precious beverage is preferentially used as a thirst quencher, with fruit juices or herb teas as alternates, satisfactory host-guest relationships can continue, while sensible sobriety survives. We must never overlook the powerful forces of commercial interests in aggravating the problem of alcoholism. Consistent propaganda bombards our minds from billboards, TV, radio, and magazines, all appealing to the weaknesses of humanity. Advertisers hold alcohol up as great and grand, while hiding the inevitable emptiness, poverty, and disease that follow. The entire brewing industry devotes millions of dollars to promoting their beverages. They do this, not as benefactors of the human race, but, like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, to its destruction. Liquor peddlers have purely commercial interests in mind. Legislators tend to shift the emphasis, and allow continued promotion and sale of alcohol poisons. Even now liquor is making inroads into schools and churches, corrupting our unguarded, uninformed, unsuspecting youth. Freudian psychology must carry its share of the blame. Sigmund Freud’s doctrine teaches that in childhood nothing is to be restrained or denied. Every whim or wish is to be met. Thus, we see modern society “doing its own thing.” Humanism’s scholarly breakdown of moral values paved the way for a new type of liberation, falsely termed freedom. It is not just “your own business” what you do when drinking behavior disrupts the home, causes accidents, increases crime, and puts people into the hospital, as well as the local morgue. This brings me to one of the most basic aspects of alcohol and a costly clue to successful rehabilitation. No lasting or strong impression can make our world decent through intellectual power alone. Conscience, heart, and soul must be enlisted if your life will be channeled in the way of salvation. Alcoholics Anonymous recognizes the importance of this spiritual dimension. Of their twelve steps, the first one states, “We have come to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” The second step follows, “We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our contact with God as we understood Him, praying for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry it out.” Therefore, while we give first attention to the physical condition, providing wholesome food, clean clothing, and an opportunity to work, we must never neglect the spiritual power found in personal prayer. Open your Bible and read the promises of God to each struggling one. This will bring power like leaves from the tree of life. As you choose to serve God and give Him your will, He will work in us “to will and to do according to His good