Self-worth is greatly replaced by suspicion and fear. The belief that there is meaning and purpose to life becomes a mere daydream. A corollary seems to exist that the more a person is feeling shameful and guilty, the more difficulty it is to approach God because of what has happened. Shame has to do with what kind of person the alcoholic has become. Shame is a difficult area to deal with because of its deep roots.
Reconciliation is much needed.
The alcoholic's journey is much like the prodigal son's. This is not a new concept, but it needs to be said again and again. Our Christian spirituality would be virtually empty without Jesus Christ at the head. It would be like a sail luffing haphazardly in the wind as if it were lost and looking for some direction. The alcoholic, for whatever reason, has become powerless over alcohol, yet tries ever so hard to keep it under control, not wanting to admit that he or she is truly powerless over its grip.