Praise for alcoholism article

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am writing in regards to your article that appeared in my newspaper on June 26, 2010.
A counselor wrote to you asking about her husband’s habitual drinking habits. Your response to her was extremely accurate. Your description of the disease and its profound effects on a family was one of the best descriptions I have read outside of the literature that the Al-Anon Family Groups publish. It is truly wonderful to read such a straightforward, honest answer about alcoholism and its effects on the family in our local newspaper.

Unfortunately, the public is uneducated about alcoholism and relates to the disease, much like this writer, as shameful behaviors that can be changed “if he loved me enough.” [Read more...]

Wife struggles with husband’s alcoholism

DEAR DR. GOTT: I simply cannot understand my husband’s habitual drinking. I’m embarrassed, ashamed and frustrated, and we’re even considering divorce because of it. We are a well-educated couple. He’s a professional with a good job, and of all things, I’m a counselor. Wouldn’t you think I might be able to advise my own partner? Well, I guess not, because life is a mess, things are out of control, and what’s worse, my husband doesn’t even seem to know or care. He promises he will change but those promises have been broken so many times I have lost track. We have three wonderful children who have been damaged because of his habit. I try to help them understand, but they aren’t dumb. They can read between the lines.
[Read more...]