Alcohol abuse significant in the armed services.
February 28, 2010
According to USA Today recently a front page article speaking to the high incidence of alcohol abuse in the army has increased tremendously. I do not think there is more abuse; I think more people are coming forward and talking about it. The stigma is less and the army is making it easier for the soldiers to get help without people knowing about it. The same is true for drug addiction although that addiction is not nearly as widespread as alcohol. I think it is wonderful these people are coming out and getting the help they need for alcohol not only kills and destroys lives, it brings on marriage problems, depression, anxiety, insomnia as well as destroys self-esteem and confidence. It undermines spirituality and good values and interrupts relationships. The more it can be out in the open and treatment can be made available the better off our whole country and world will be.
Dilemma of Love
February 12, 2010
The dilemma of love is about knowing the difference between healthy love and toxic “love.” Healthy love is possible for you or for anyone who chooses to understand the difference. It takes time and a commitment to look honestly at your present and also your past and to how others have affected you. It is a difficult process at times; however, if you can be gentle with yourself and let others support you, you will see remarkable results. A knowledgeable mentor may be just the person you need to help guide you to your goal through difficult times.
A story about Alanon from the Forum
February 9, 2010
I would like to basically quote a story from the Alanon professional magazine, the Forum, to familiarize many of you with this wonderful program. Here it is: “I am an incest survivor; I met an alcoholic the day I was born. I replaced him with other alcoholics as well as gamblers and addicts of every kind. I was single until I was 52. I remember thinking, “I’ve finally got myself a ‘normal’ guy!” But the truth was, his life had been affected by someone else’s drinking and he hadn’t found recovery. Did I trust my own program of 12 years enough to marry this man I loved? I did but had to become a newcomer all over again–frightened, angry living with fear. In these 3 years of recovery with my new partner who did join Alanon we’ve done a lot of dancing as we have been growing. It is important to be accountable and to tell the truth to someone. Shame drags me down and makes for a life of sleeplessness and emotional/physical pain. If I keep my problems up and out I don’t have to live in shame. I, Dr. Susan, have paraphrased some of this so that it won’t be too long.Counseling and coaching helped my partner and I rid ourselves of our old patterns and marriage counseling was the icing on the cake. Spirituality is at the base of our relationship and my life. I hope this has been helpful.
