Alcholism......

[Goose]

There are lots of alcoholics living right under our noses. The truth is you don't know the amount a person drinks. Its sad but they gota get real low before they clean up

[striperman36]

Originally Posted by Goose

There are lots of alcoholics living right under our noses. The truth is you don't know the amount a person drinks. Its sad but they gota get real low before they clean up

Very true, sometimes you have to feel real pain before something gets your attention. Unfortunately, addiction is an illness that is often overlooked and left untreated. Sometimes it's an attempt to cover up something else deeply subconcious.

I do agree that the person has to want to participate in the rehab and yes, you need to understand and go through all of the 12 steps to even come close to succeeding with the AA treatment.

[Jenn]

Flap- I have seen more than my share and dont think it usually "happens fast".....fact is most have had a problem LONG before anyone would ever know it. Masters of disguise.....their problem is hardly noticed until their addiction has already escalated .....
Being supportive is noble but disheartening to say the least. You will never convince them to get help.....you can only suggest and hope they already have it in them to seek help themselves. You can be a friend but dont ever think you wont be deceived or lied too in the process......and with that last statement I will say that is the best advice I could give you to prepare for whats ahead.

[thefishingfreak]

There is a solution.
If AA doesn't help right away an addictions therapist could work wonders.

I've got 392 days worth of proof that recovery is possible.

[striperman36]

Originally Posted by thefishingfreak

There is a solution.
If AA doesn't help right away an addictions therapist could work wonders.

I've got 392 days worth of proof that recovery is possible.

Congrats for you!!! Anyway you can do it, as long as you want it, helps you onto the road to reality and freedom

[Joe]

I've been thinking about doing a book/story on the most depressing fishing places in the winter and downward spirals of alcoholic fishermen.... Good stuff there..

[FishermanTim]

Then there are the "innocent bystanders" affected by the addicts habit.
I have a family member that was an Oxycontin addict, and she recently gave birth, and now the baby has to go through Oxycontin withdrawal.
I want to scream. It's bad enough that she wanted to trash her body, ruin any and all relations with the family, but she didn't give a damn about the baby.
The topping on this cake from hell is that she has 2 other daughters that had to live with her habit, her lies and her abuse.
She will obviously loose them to her ex, who wants to move to Florida, so this is shaping up to be one heck of a Christmas.
All I can do is keep thinking positive.

[Flaptail]

Originally Posted by Joe

I've been thinking about doing a book/story on the most depressing fishing places in the winter and downward spirals of alcoholic fishermen.... Good stuff there..

You know Joe, most of the big name local and regional heroes, the real hard core guys, all seem to have that demon to fight. This passion of ours can easily get in the way of things like home, family and work. Once the obsession controls your life and the aformentioned parts of your life have been lost to your need to fish more and more regardless of the consequence you find that the bottle or chemicals is your only way to console yourself and forget what you gave up to be the "best". On the rocks or the beach in season one can have many friends but in the cold of winter there can be some lonely days for those who cannot manage both homelife and the call of the bass from April to October.

It's really an eye opener when you find out the real story behind some of them. Very sad indeed.

[stripersnipr]

Originally Posted by Joe

I've been thinking about doing a book/story on the most depressing fishing places in the winter and downward spirals of alcoholic fishermen.... Good stuff there..

Aint it the truth.
<Insert seaside fishing town name here> "A Quaint Little Drinking Village with a Fishing Problem". I can give you a long list of interviewees to help in your research.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by thefishingfreak

I've got 392 days worth of proof that recovery is possible.

A whole-hearted thumbs up to you Mike - Keep Up the Good Work.



My father was a very smart man and lost it all when he became an Alcoholic. He never was successful in recovery and died that way. I truly and deeply applaud those that make the turn and recover. I wish my dad had and was able to be a grandfather to my son.

[Tagger]

Originally Posted by thefishingfreak

solution.


I've got 392 days worth of proof that recovery is possible.

I'm proud of you .. sometimes your darkest day, looking back turns out to be the brightest.. enjoying your family and life itself is what its all about . helping others comes back to you ..

[Tagger]

Sorry Flap ... My old man died of Cirrhosis .. I've seen and known the beast . It takes many to the grave .. really sucks having a front seat watching it happen ..

[justplugit]

Fortunately alcoholism doesn't have the horrible stigma it once had,

so families can and should confront, and not hide the person's problem for the person or from others..

A person needs to take responsibility for themselves. As Clammer says," has to want it for himself[herself] not others".

Always takes the low of lows for an awakening.

Alcoholics believe there is no other happy life aside from drinking and are afraid to
give it up. Ya can't covince them otherwise.

The ones i know who have gone to AA or couseling, seen the light and gave it up, one for 27 years now, have never been happier in their life.

Tough row to hoe.