g ability to repair itself, especially when combined with medical attention. Mental recovery is more complex because it includes not only issues associated with brain function and brain chemistry but also with issues of attitudes, belief systems, and rational, abstract thought. Emotional recovery is more complex yet. It involves attitudes, belief systems, and rational thought, but also thought’s first cousin—feelings. Emotional recovery involves learning to deal with feelings openly, honestly, and responsibly. It includes learning to express and resolve feelings in appropriate and effective ways. For most people in recovery, emotional recovery takes years. Spiritual recovery is the most complex because it incorporates all other aspects.It is because of these different stages of addiction and the many problems associated with them that total abstinence from alcohol is necessary to complete and maintain the recovery condition. Alcohol affects people not only physically, but more importantly psychologically. This dependence is a condition that is very easy to relapse into. Though there are those who claim that abstinence stigmatizes people it also gives people the power back in their lives. It allows for not only a life without the risk of relapse from having a ‘few’ but also teaches self-reliance and the ability to fight off the urge to drink....
