Frustration occurs when we have set our sight on an objective or a goal and someone or something blocks or appears to block our progress.The common reaction to frustration is anger. Now alcoholics are impatient, and wish to solve all their problems quickly, so they tend to get frustrated easily. Problems that took years to develop are unlikely to be solved in a few days. Learn to be patient. If something should get in the way, then it should be regarded calmly as another obstacle to be overcome. It is necessary to think calmly and rationally about the best method of removing or getting around the obstacle, then to act without worrying about others and what they may think. One young alcoholic, a mechanic by trade, found work hard to get after a long period of hospitalisation. He tried an unusual solution to his problem by going to a psychologist for occupational guidance, now he is making a great deal of money because he followed the advice given by the counsellor. He changed his hobby into a major occupation by joining a rock band as a drummer and he started making metal sculptures as a hobby. His hobby is now producing more money than the lucrative music career. His only problem today is paying his accountant to keep track of his rapidly expanding income! I know there are a lot of recovered alcoholics successfully running their own businesses today because they took the time to stand back and get professional advice about where they were heading. Sometimes, out of adversity comes something positive. Self-pity or feeling sorry for oneself is also common to alcoholics. It is usually accompanied by attempts to blame the unpleasant features of life on someone or something else. The point to remember is that each alcoholic is in control of his or her own destiny and that it is useless trying to put the blame elsewhere. Furthermore, feelings of self-pity serve only to prevent rational thoughts and actions that would improve the present and future. No purpose is served by thinking about how hard done by in life she or he is. It is useless to wallow in feelings of self-pity. When an alcoholic looks at the wreckage that his or her alcoholism has produced and says “Why me? What have I done to deserve this?” he or she is avoiding what should be his or her prime objectives: to make the present as happy as possible for himself or herself and to give happiness to others close to him or her.

Envy and Jealousy

These are closely related to resentment. Within the family, recovering alcoholics are often envious when they see brothers and sisters who have achieved success in the various areas of their lives. One man became envious of the fact that his brother, a non-drinker, had built up a successful business, was happily married and owned an impressive house, had a holiday home at the beach and the various impressive possessions that go with a high income. He refused to visit his brother and refused all the offers of help his brother made. Now, these offers were made with the best possible intentions to help his brother who has financial, emotional, legal and family problems. The rejection had no logical basis, but was based solely on irrational feelings of envy, jealousy and self-pity. Amino Acid supplements like Tyrosine Mood Food for the manufacture of dopamine and noradrenaline, are required for concentration, alertness, memory and a happy, stable mood. L-Glutamine can reduce both cravings and the anxiety that accompanies alcohol withdrawal. A good liver tonic like LivaTone Plus is recommended and can be beneficial in those who have an inflamed liver or a sluggish liver. LivaTone Plus also contains all the B vitamins and the amino acid Taurine as well as the antioxidant vitamins C and E. Magnesium Ultra Potent can be taken before bed to assist with a deep and restful sleep. It also helps to reduce stress, very beneficial to a recovering alcoholic.  Magnesium is also known as the “great relaxer”. My book, Help for Depression and Anxiety is an excellent read for recovering alcoholics.   The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.