Mental Eclipse

“The fact is that most alcoholics, for reasons yet obscure, have lost their power of choice in drink. Our so-called willpower becomes practically non-existent. We are unable, at certain times, to bring into our consciousness with sufficient force the memory of the suffering and humiliation of even a week or a month ago. We are without defense against the first drink.”

During euphoric recall, the reasonable, logical thinking of the prefrontal cortex is eclipsed by the natural animal instinct to relieve stress and suffering with the instant gratification of taking a drug or a drink because of the memories stored deep in the data banks of the mind. It is at this time that we must be in a position to depend on God for an act of providence. That is why we must employ a program of spiritual maintenance. It is a program of spiritual action.