Bud

Monday night I attended an AA meeting with Jim. I was a little anxious about going as I was afraid I would get upset (and that would be embarrassing!!), but it was just the opposite. Everyone was extremely friendly and I felt completely at ease. Most of them knew of Bud and his problem through Jim. Ironically, the subject they were discussing that evening partially related to helping get someone into the AA program. It all boils down to - you can be supportive, tell them you love them and want them to get help, but, other than that, you CANNOT make a person quit drinking until they are ready. I'm quoting from a paper one of the members gave me: "A drunk could quit if they would. An alcoholic would quit if they could".

Here is the way they summed it up:
Ways to Stop Drinking

Death (This will do it)
Locked Up - Jail, Prison or Mental Institution (Temporary Solution)

Sobered Up. Joining a group such as AA that gives support (Long term Solution)

Anyway, this just confirmed the path I think we've all come to realize is the right one for us to take in relation to Bud's problem. It's not an easy one I know for any of us. But, sadly, it's the only path we can take right now. He's not going to tackle his problem and get sober until he is ready. Hopefully, he'll take that step soon!!