Ask Dr. Bill

Dear Dr. Bill,
I read your article in the South Bergenite (7/11/01) regarding the poem written by an addict. Whoever wrote that should be praised. I'm a recovering alcoholic. I recently put 18 months together then my disease took over (again). I drank for 6 days after work. I tried to hide it from my children. I found out I was missing (every)thing and my feelings didn't change because I had a buzz. The age old question and answer: Why did I drink? I stopped going to meetings and let "stink'n think'n" take over.

Thank God, He watches over me. Between all the tools that I have learned in the rooms of AA, and the special relationships, it took only a week to decide that I did not want to go back to my old ways. Even while I was drinking I was making the calls to people in the rooms, letting someone else know the pain I was in. I have put too much time into recovery (rebuilding relationships , putting my financial situation back in order,etc.etc.). But most important is finding out who I am and feeling again.....I like me.

This is for any new recovering addict. Take one day at a time. Some days are good,some are bad. But living on life's terms is much better than living a life of never ending insanity. There are so many little sayings I have learned in the rooms to get me through the day. I have never felt the true sincerity of people caring and understanding as the people in AA. Anywhere you go in the world or country you can find a meeting ...the faces are different but the stories are the same. It's like one big family.You have to want this way of life for it to work.

I remember when I first came into the rooms, I was an emotional and physical wreck. Now I walk with my head held high. I have self respect and self esteem. I can be there for my family in ways I never imagined. I have so much more to grow .But one day at a time is good for me. Thank you again for your piece on addiction.

Happy/sober/serene in Lyndhurst

Dear Happy,
You are living proof that AA does work... Good for you! AA was founded 66 years ago by a doctor and stockbroker when the stereotypical image of a drunk was an older, white male vagrant. But over the years, scientific knowledge and public awareness of alcoholism have evolved. Today ,alcoholism is largely considered a physical, psychological and possibly genetic addiction, rather than a moral weakness. There also is more awareness that alcoholics can be working professionals, mothers, teenagers and retirees. In addition, people of all ethnic backgrounds and social classes suffer from the addiction.

At a symposium of the American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM) two years ago in New York, speakers concluded that "AA continues to be successful, but would be more effective if supplemented by modern interventions, such as inpatient treatment programs and outpatient group therapy.

My clinical experience in treating patients who also go to AA is that I haven't seen many relapses. It is unusual to hear a patient say, "I went to AA meetings for over five years and then I drank." AA alone is not always the most desirable format for recovery. After-care groups are now a standard part of good addiction treatment... if combined with AA, we see the best results. AA's success rate is 40 percent, slightly higher than the 35 percent one-year abstinence rate of people who attended a residential 28-day treatment program but did not go to AA or attend any post-treatment therapy. Studies show that the success rate doubles for people who go to treatment and attend post-treatment therapy groups and also go to AA for at least a year.

I'm delighted that you are back with AA and in recovery. By all means stay with AA but should you have more relapses you might be wise to get some supplemental professional help.