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“Men and women drink essentially because they like the effect produced by alcohol. The sensation is so elusive that, while they admit it is injurious, they cannot after a time differentiate the true from the false. To them, their alcoholic life seems the only normal one. They are restless…” quote by Alcoholics Anonymous
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““Men and women drink essentially because they like the effect produced by alcohol. The sensation is so elusive that, while they admit it is injurious, they cannot after a time differentiate the true from the false. To them, their alcoholic life seems the only normal one. They are restless, irritable and discontented, unless they can again experience the sense of ease and comfort which comes at once by taking a few drinks—drinks which they see others taking with impunity. After they have succumbed to the desire again, as so many do, and the phenomenon of craving develops, they pass through the well-known stages of a spree, emerging remorseful, with a firm resolution not to drink again. This is repeated over and over, and unless this person can experience an entire psychic change there is very little hope of his recovery. On the other hand—and strange as this may seem to those who do not understand—once a psychic change has occurred, the very same person who seemed doomed, who had so many problems he despaired of ever solving them, suddenly finds himself easily able to control his desire for alcohol, the only effort necessary being that required to follow a few simple rules.””

Alcoholics Anonymous

About This Quote

Source Book: Alcoholics Anonymous (The Big Book) by Bill Wilson, 1939

Alcohol creates a fleeting sense of comfort that masks its harm, leading to cycles of craving, remorse, and attempts at control, until a profound mental shift enables lasting sobriety.

In simple terms: Alcohol feels good but is harmful; change requires a deep mental shift.

Key Takeaway

Seek a true psychological transformation for lasting recovery.

Themes

addiction craving recovery psychic change self‑control

Mood

reflective hopeful serious

Type

advice inspirational psychological

When to use this quote

  • rehabilitation programs
  • support groups
  • personal therapy
  • relapse prevention
  • self‑help strategies

Key Concepts

behavioral psychology habit formation mindset shift

Questions to Reflect On

  • What inner beliefs keep you tied to harmful habits?
  • How can you foster a lasting mindset shift?
A Different Perspective

A mere willpower approach often fails without deeper mental change.

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