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- $Unique_ID{BRK01541}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Fear of Alcoholism}
- $Subject{alcoholism treatment treatments Community Social drunk Alcoholic
- alcoholics Anonymous rehabilitation life styles rehabilitate lifestyle
- lifestyles prevention preventions alcohol drinking drink drinks drunkard
- behavior behaviors mental emotional}
- $Volume{E-23,Q-23}
- $Log{}
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- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Fear of Alcoholism
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- QUESTION: My father was a drunk and I now fear I am following in his
- footsteps. I have fought against that image all my life, took my knocks when
- I was a kid, but overcame and have finally reached a comfortable level in my
- company. But of late, I know I am slipping. I don't know where to turn, and
- fear if I give myself away, I will lose all I have won. Can you offer me any
- counsel? I don't know where else to turn!
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- ANSWER: You sound like a man who has displayed great self control, and
- impressive motivation in the past. Now is the time to do it again. You are
- surrounded by resources that can help you, people who will not only extend
- their helping hands but also maintain the confidence of your circumstances.
- You might start with your own physician, who can make the references to
- special facilities or services that may be required for your situation. You
- might consider talking to your religious counselor, your pastor, minister,
- priest or rabbi. I have frequently been amazed at their effectiveness in
- dealing with these situations, for they are very knowledgeable and most
- sympathetic in their approach. The success of Alcoholics Anonymous is well
- documented. They utilize a 12 step program, an approach to the problem of
- alcoholism that does not use medications or psychoactive drugs, but instead
- views rehabilitation as an active continuing program that helps the individual
- to lead a healthy productive life. They can help you place new life styles in
- your existence, encourage you to develop new social relationships, new
- interests that help you maintain the abstinence that seems to be a basic
- requirement of all successful programs. No matter where you decide to turn
- for help, the success of your endeavor depends upon you; your resolve to see
- it through and to change what must be changed. You sound like a man that can
- do it, has done it before, and needs to make the decision to start now. It
- certainly can be done, as many others have pulled themselves out of the same
- predicament you now find that you are in. Good Luck to you.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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