To the Abuser
I am glad you are reading this article. This means that you have a chance
to arrest your problem if you take certain actions. The first step is
getting and staying out of denial. Be gentle with yourself but realize
that you have clean-up work to do. You may be able to abstain by yourself
but you will probably not be sober. Sobriety means healing from the pain
caused by alcoholism. This is done by attending AA and listening to the
wisdom of the elders and trusting God, as you understand. This takes humility
but not shame. I want you to be rid of the shame, guilt and emotions and
behaviors that have damaged you. Be smart and begin recovery. Beat this
problem by not fighting or testing your will power. Find someone who attends
AA and stick with him or her. Give him (if you are male) or her (if you
are female) permission to coach you back to health towards success and
safety. Come in from the war and find peace and a purposeful life filled
with ways to cope with the hard times and ways to enjoy the good times
- guilt free. You deserve to get sober. You deserve to have someone guide
you until you can love yourself and help someone else.
