Alcoholism is a disease just like diabetes or hypertension or heart disease. Medically, it’s known as “alcohol dependence syndrome.” It begins with binge drinking and alcohol abuse and often becomes life-threatening. Many of the people we service at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM) have struggled for years with alcoholism. In most cases, their addiction to alcohol resulted in the loss of jobs, homes and family relationships. Our substance abuse treatment program includes detoxification from chemical alcohol and drug dependence and a wide range of other services such as counseling, therapy, relapse treatment, support groups, recreational activities, job training, and more. Remaining clean and sober involves physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual components.

“Ralph” literally fell onto DRMM’s doorstep while in a drunken stupor. He’d been drinking since he was a teenager. Ralph’s father, who introduced him to drinking, died at the age of 58 from alcohol-related causes. For years, Ralph was swept up in a life of homelessness and alcoholism. He credits the Detroit Rescue Mission with saving his life. “By now, I’d be six-feet under, pushing up daisies, because of the way I drank,” he says. “My doctor told me, ‘Ralph, you’ve got to quit drinking.’ And I said why? He says, ‘You’re starting to get a touch of cirrhosis of the liver.’ And that’s what my dad passed away from. And that’s one reason why I went to the Mission ─ to just get help to quit.” However, years of alcohol abuse caused irreparable damage to Ralph. Both of his legs were amputated due to numerous blood clots. But Ralph hasn’t lost his spirit and purpose in life. Get a glimpse of Ralph’s story at: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1288004/alcoholism/.

The first step to overcoming alcoholism is realizing that you need help. The second step is getting help. And the third step is surrendering your heart and soul to Christ so that He may heal your mind and spirit.