The absence or malfunction of enzymes necessary to metabolize alcohol into a simple carbohydrate, assimilate it into the body and excrete it through normal body function.  The failure of the enzymes to perform this function leave an acetone level in the body.  The acetone initiates and engages a physical craving for alcohol.  The phenomenon of craving develops in the body.

Some people seem to begin their drinking career with a sufficient quantity or quality of enzymes present to properly metabolize alcohol.  But after a period of prolonged drinking whereby these enzymes are perhaps overworked, damaged or broken down, their quantity or quality deteriorate.  A craving develops.  The progression of this phenomenon causes an individual to cross an invisible line into out of control drinking, "developing" an allergy (as opposed to "addiction") to alcohol.

Others appear to be missing the necessary enzymes from the onset of their drinking career, or perhaps their enzymes are of such an insufficient quantity or quality they are allergic (as opposed to "addicted") to alcohol from the very start and subject to a physical craving, both of which suggest they may have been born that way.

A conscious preoccupation with the idea somehow, someday we will be able to control and enjoy our drinking as do normal drinkers we see; a conscious preoccupation with the idea we will one day be able to drink with impunity. 

These two ideas are known as "the great obsession of every abnormal drinker."  Left untreated, the great obsession will drive us to consciously pick up a drink, thus inciting and engaging the phenomenon of craving and our re-immersion into alcohol's vicious cycle. 

In our type abnormal drinker, perhaps 10% of the spiritual disease of alcoholism is manifest within the allergy to and obsession for alcohol (although it seems to be 90% of the problem when we are trying to stop drinking!).

When abstinence* is achieved (the physical aspect) and the merciless obsession is lifted or expelled (the mental aspect), the disease, as such, is arrested.  What's left to be treated is the remaining 90% of the problem -- the spiritual malady (the soul-sickness).

*Abstinence:  To be entirely free from alcohol, in any form at all and in any amount at all.

Unconscious mental craving = unconscious demand (for alcohol).  This craving, incited unconsciously, is to recall the original "extemporaneous effect" produced by alcohol.  It involves the susceptibility of mind and emotion to react to the ingestion of alcohol in an abnormal, unconscious, unpredictable manner.  The extemporaneous effect produced is an alteration of our perception of self and reality. 

The effect produced in our mind once we've taken a few drinks is an illusionary sense of normalcy.  Then, having taken the drink, the phenomenon of craving develops in our body.  The great obsession returns and we again find ourselves in the throes of John Barleycorn's vicious cycle.  The unconscious mental craving is then relegated into the background and obscured from our perception.  

The extemporaneous effect produced by alcohol will begin to wane sometime during an episode of drinking, or upon cessation of drinking.  Feelings associated with The ISM Factor return unchecked in an exacerbated state, inciting an unconscious craving for the effect produced by alcohol. 

A curious phenomenon occurs.  A spontaneous craving to drink alcohol comes over us.  Lacking the necessary spiritual defense, we take a drink.  Having taken a drink, we soon find ourselves seemingly struck drunk without a conscious forethought of taking a drink, and we are unable to explain it. 

We associate this phenomenon with The ISM Factor and the Bill W. type abnormal drinker, and it typically engages at the onset of a persons drinking career.

An aside regarding the effect produced by alcohol.  It is interesting to note that alcohol is considered by experts to be a depressant drug, having a sedating effect on the body, mind and emotions of those who imbibe.  In the case of a social, moderate, and even heavy drinker, this may very well be a fair and accurate statement.  However, in the case of our type abnormal drinker, it doesn't appear to hold entirely true. 

What?!?  Well, those we met and talked with over the past 20 years who experienced the mysterious mental phenomenon (the unconscious mental craving) report alcohol had an opposite effect on them, as was our experience, in that alcohol acts to excite them, elevate them, empower them to see, feel, do and believe that which without the extemporaneous effect produced by alcohol they could not do on their own power and (unaided) resources. 

As an aside, if alcohol did for us only what it is bio-chemically indicated to do, which is sedate us, we wouldn't have bothered drinking! 

If we do not find a sufficient substitute for the abnormal, unusual, illusionary, unconscious extemporaneous effect produced by alcohol -- which is to suggest an empowered state of existence, able to adjust to, fit in with and feel part of a group, situation, circumstance or event -- we will seek to plug into an alternate source of power. 

When the alternate power source fails or ceases to produce the desired extemporaneous effect (i.e. "faulty" power), we will seek to plug into another source of power and/or return to drinking alcohol.  As such, if we are to obtain and maintain continuous sobriety, we will need to find a sufficient substitute for the effect produced by alcohol.  Clearly AA's 12 Steps, when practiced as a way of life, are a sufficient substitute -- and vastly more than that -- for the effect produced by alcohol.

Next:  The ISM Factor

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