A Letter from an Alcoholic

[moosmom]

Boy did this come at an awkward time. Yesterday would've been my Dad's 81st birthday. He was an alcoholic and I was his enabler. Why? I bought him his booze to avoid him getting into his truck and driving to the liquor store possibly killing himself or someone else. Years of guilt followed me. I haven't cried all weekend (my mom's anniversary was Friday) and this thread has brought on the water works. Crying is supposed to be very cleansing, so I guess I needed it.

I am also a recovering alcoholic. And the letter is correct, arguing and fighting over it does nothing. It takes hitting rock bottom before an alcoholic will admit his problem and get help. Unfortunately, my father hit rock bottom years ago and it was HIS choice to stay there till he "cruised on outta here".

[shepgirl]

Have alcoholics in the family and some friends also. Our AA meetings are open to everyone...but they do warn us not to make the alcoholic's problem ours. Seems they have to hit rock bottom before they face that fact and do something about it. However, there is someone in our town who has hit rock bottom ages ago and keeps on drinking, I think only death will stop him, a real shame.

Catty1 - the media is now trying to classify drug addiction as a medical disease....We learned that drinking and doing drugs is a choice someone makes. My cousin is a prime example...he drinks one beer, one drink, and he knows he won't stop there, he will drink himself into a stupor. His choice was to abstain from ever touching a drink, and he's doing marvellous.

[Catty1]

shepgirl - if you want to argue with the Canadian and American medical and Psychiatric Associations on addiction as a disease, feel free.

Go back to the Big Book and read "The Doctor's Opinion".

And at the next meeting, maybe ask "How do you know it's a disease?" Then take the cotton out of your ears, put it in your mouth, and LISTEN.