Alcoholics can live enjoyable lives
August 17, 2012 2:56PM
Updated: September 19, 2012 6:05AM
Dr. Wallace: I’m in my fourth year at the University of Wisconsin and will have my degree in elementary education in late spring 2013.
A year ago, I had no thoughts of getting married. My only goal was to graduate and find employment teaching elementary school students.
In the past year, I’ve fallen for a guy who owns a small company in Madison, Wis. As long as marriage would not interfere in my goal of becoming a teacher, I am seriously considering marrying him. My only concern is that this fellow is a recovering alcoholic. He has been through therapy and hasn’t consumed alcohol in 15 months. He says that he has his life in order and will never touch another drop of alcohol the rest of his life.
What are the odds this fellow can remain alcohol-free for the rest of his life? I’m aware that there is no cure for alcoholism.
Nameless, Madison, Wis.
Nameless: If a recovering alcoholic does not consume alcohol in any form or amount, he/she can enjoy a normal life. But as you know, one alcoholic drink can overpower the alcoholic and is likely to trigger regular use again.
The good news is that the longer the addict remains alcohol-free, the better the chances of staying that way.
Write to Dr. Wallace
at rwallace@galesburg.net
