Buddhism and Alcohol Recovery

The key teachings of Buddhism are the four noble truths and the Eight fold Path. The four noble truths and The eight fold path can be used as a program of recovery.

For Buddhists, fundamental spiritual practice and addiction recovery both begin with meditation.Refuge Recovery is a practice, a process, a set of tools, a treatment, and a path to healing addiction and the suffering caused by addiction.

For most adults, moderate alcohol use is probably not harmful. However, about 18 million adult Americans have an alcohol use disorder. This means that their drinking causes distress and harm. It includes alcoholism and alcohol abuse.

Alcoholism, or alcohol dependence, is a disease that causes

Craving - a strong need to drink

Loss of control - not being able to stop drinking once you've started

Physical dependence - withdrawal symptoms

Tolerance - the need to drink more alcohol to feel the same effect

With alcohol abuse, you are not physically dependent, but you still have a 

serious problem. The drinking may cause problems at home, work, or school. It may cause you to put yourself in dangerous situations, or lead to legal or social problems.

Another common problem is binge drinking. It is drinking about five or more drinks in two hours for men. For women, it is about four or more drinks in two hours.

Too much alcohol is dangerous. Heavy drinking can increase the risk of certain cancers. It can cause damage to the liver, brain, and other organs. Drinking 

during pregnancy can harm your baby. Alcohol also increases the risk of death from car crashes, injuries, homicide, and suicide.

If you want to stop drinking, there is help. Start by talking to your health care provider. Treatment may include medicines, counseling, and support groups.

For Buddhist who have practiced Buddhist insight meditation and experienced calm insight with seeing the reality of creating things which is arising and passing away can really control themselves and eliminate bad habits they wish to. This practice can help illuminate the Buddhist path to freedom from alcoholism and addiction.