Chemical Dependency is an issue needing to be addressed by some 17 million Americans. It’s a challenge no doubt about it. When one finally gets a heads up that they are addicted to a substance, or a family member is suffering, it’s usually almost too late. It may too too late for the relationship, health, too late to save the job. Habitually running from emotions may be one huge contributing factor. Also, brain chemistry imbalances can underlie much of what we see in addictions. If one is able to start to face emotions rather than drinking or using over them, if one is able to correct brain chemistry then another one of the underlying challenges that may lead to chemical dependency can be cleared. In addition, shifting character flaws it’s a huge help. When I went to school for chemical dependency counseling I was taught through the traditional medical model that alcoholism is a disease. As I helped folks for 37 plus years with this challenge treated addictions like a disease is helpful and often doesn’t address underlying factors that might be contributing to relapse and blocking recovery. If you are addicted, then stopping drinking may be essential and it’s not the last straw..there’s much more to the picture. Addictions speak of your tendencies, character flaws, and imbalances that might be screaming under the surface but not heard in the midst of drowning your sorrows in drink. Addressing these challenges, in my view, is essential to recovery from addictions.