I was always able to get by on my brains and wits, so the drinking in high school and later in college wasn’t an obstacle to making it through. Of course, I wasted my brains by doing as little as possible academically, had a good time, and finished college with “gentlemans.” Looking back on it […]
Following is the story of a North Carolina Bar member. In the spirit of avoiding pride in recovery, it is provided to you anonymously. While in my first year of law school my father passed away from hard living and booze. I was terribly angry with him at death too. Not only was there the hurt […]
Two lawyers who were very respected members of the Bar were both patients seeing the same counselor. Each had come because of loneliness, depression, and burnout. Neither was aware that the other was also seeking help. As the sessions progressed both men talked about their deep caring about many of their clients and their love […]
Johnny Carson was once asked why he quit drinking and his response was, “I don’t drink well.” This definition certainly fits me, although for many years I was able to drink quite well and alcohol was my solution not my problem. In my late years of drinking, I managed to brighten up the whole room […]
The stories of fellow alcoholics are the fresh minted coins of survival. You pass yours to the next person in the hope he or she will see a gleam of their own life and find the treasure of recovery. This is the story of a woman PALS member offered anonymously in that tradition. Call PALS […]
We tend to respond to issues because of media attention to public figures. Recently, William Bennett, former cabinet secretary and spokesman for virtue and morality, has come under fire because of reported eight million dollars in gambling losses at various casinos over the years. But Bennett’s financial losses from gambling are part of a much […]
How can I overcome my lifelong habit of procrastination? What can I do about my partner who is developing a serious drinking problem? How can I breathe new life into my declining practice? How can I get myself organized? Why do I always feel overwhelmed? How can I deal with my overbearing boss? I think […]
Co-dependency refers to an emotional and mental dysfunction which, just like addiction, can cause disastrous effects on the quality of life. Almost everyone knows how substance abuse can destroy careers, families, reputations and finances. Yet what is much more insidious and harder to decipher are the effects of co-dependency. The best definition of co-dependency which […]