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<p>Alcoholism<br>
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At the beginning of Lent 1997, I have a message, a simple message I wish to <br>
share. Please read it / listen to it: Since Lent is a time of renewal, a time of <br>
being grateful, a time to think about passing on to our children whatever we <br>
truly believe in, I feel this message is very apropos. It has to do with <br>
alcoholism: a real word to deal with. Nobody is too young nor too old to deal <br>
with it. That's because it is a disease, an illness. Anybody is eligible to be <br>
hit with it. Rich, poor, no color difference, it is always around. <br>
Years ago, because there is alcoholism in my own family and because, as a <br>
priest, I was beginning to learn about people's lives and their problems, I <br>
decided to become involved. For more than 30 years, I have spoken with, spoken <br>
to, and been associated with alcoholics / addicts. I have learned much and have <br>
shared much. And this is what I want to do: share a few thoughts with all of you <br>
on sobriety. <br>
Some people drink to relax. Some people drink because they have problems. <br>
Where are you in all this? <br>
Some people drink when they get angry. Angry with other people, with <br>
friends, with parents. Where are you in all this? <br>
Some people prefer to drink alone. They do not want anybody else around <br>
them. Where are you in all this? <br>
Some people, due to drinking, start making mistakes on their jobs, or their <br>
school grades start slipping. Where are you in all this? <br>
Some people say they can stop drinking if they want to. Some people try to <br>
stop drinking or start drinking less -- but they fail. Where are you in all <br>
this? <br>
Some people drink in the morning before work. Before school. Where are you <br>
in all this? <br>
Some people gulp their drinks. &quot;Down the hatch&quot; -- where are you in all <br>
this? <br>
Some people, due to their drinking, begin a loss of memory. They cannot <br>
remember some of the simplest things. Where are you in all this? <br>
Some people lie about their drinking. They never say exactly what they are <br>
drinking and how much of it. Where are you in all this? <br>
Some people get drunk when they drink. Mostly all the time. They never mean <br>
to but they do. Where are you in all this? <br>
The answers to these questions are simple, aren't they? The questions are simple <br>
too. If you have trouble honestly answering any one of these questions, I <br>
suggest you give me a call. You may need help. Or if you would just like to talk <br>
to somebody about your drinking, I can refer you to some very good people. It <br>
does not matter how long you have been drinking or what you have been drinking. <br>
It's what drinking does to you that counts. <br>
May your celebrations in 1997 be alcohol and drug free. That is one of my <br>
special prayers for each and every one of you in the new year. I hope your <br>
decision for sobriety is real. It affects not only you but our children and <br>
their lives. Thank you for taking the time to answer the questions. <br>
Fr. Jim <br>
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