ALCOHOL CAUSES EPIGENETIC CHANGES
For anyone grappling with alcoholism or any other addiction, I believe I may have discovered a path to overcoming it. Alcoholism stands as one of the most persistent and relapse-prone addictions in my life, wreaking havoc on my physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Despite being aware of this, I succumbed to relapse twice since the beginning of my spiritual journey four months ago, each time experiencing a significant regression. Even after dedicating myself to sobriety, I found my ego relentlessly seeking excuses to lure me back into drinking. Having pondered the concept of "leveraging fear for good" for the last several days, I decided to harness the power of my mind to find the most frightening research on alcoholism, hoping it would crystallize my commitment to quit. My findings were alarming. Beyond the immediate physical repercussions to our own bodies, alcohol alters our DNA and triggers epigenetic changes, negatively impacting the health of our children.
Through Dr. Joe Dispenza's work, I gained an understanding of the implications of epigenetics and the importance of turning on genes that promote healthy protein synthesis. I found his teachings on the power of the mind to influence our genetic expression enlightening and hopeful. However, the realization that alcohol consumption could turn off genes and lead to negative epigenetic changes was particularly alarming to me. This knowledge was the turning point in my journey to finally overcome alcoholism.
Research has shown that drinking alcohol can cause changes in the way our genes work, known as epigenetic changes. These changes can affect important functions in our body and brain, leading to problems like addiction and stress-related disorders. What's more, these changes can be passed down to future generations, meaning that my drinking habits could potentially impact the health of my children and grandchildren.
As a father, this research struck me when I thought about my own daughter's struggles with anxiety and depression. I couldn't help but wonder if my past alcohol consumption had contributed to her mental health challenges and if it might also influence her future health. The thought that my actions could have such far-reaching consequences was caused me to see beyond my own pain, and to silence my ego.
In Buddhism, one fundamental cause of suffering is ignorance, our mistaken view of reality. Once we understand the frightening truth about the negative effects of our actions, and how they create suffering for others, we can amend them through love. The journey to overcoming alcoholism or any addiction is challenging, but knowing that the ego may only be leveraging our ignorance, gives us the power to silence it with understanding and love.
