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A review by lory_enterenchanted
Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
4.5
I found this an incredibly moving and enlightening look at life from the inside of a recovering alcoholic's mind. Do we really stop to notice how amazing it is that humans can explore their own abnormal mental states? That they can choose to turn themselves around and move towards health? Too often we focus on the failures and look down on those who are "weaker" than us, while ignoring the true strength that can shine through in the greatest darkness.
In terms of alcohol use and abuse in particular, some people may have that particular susceptibility that makes them helpless "alcoholics", but why are so many people using alcohol to wash away their feelings so much of the time? Is this really a good thing? I think the question needs to be much broader than how to prevent or treat alcoholism. The reluctance to feel one's real feelings is a spiritual ailment that has many ramifications.
"You often hear in AA meetings that denial is the disease of alcoholism, not just its primary symptom." I'd say denial is the disease, and alcoholism is the symptom. There are countless other symptoms, but we've got to get to the heart of this illness.
In terms of alcohol use and abuse in particular, some people may have that particular susceptibility that makes them helpless "alcoholics", but why are so many people using alcohol to wash away their feelings so much of the time? Is this really a good thing? I think the question needs to be much broader than how to prevent or treat alcoholism. The reluctance to feel one's real feelings is a spiritual ailment that has many ramifications.
"You often hear in AA meetings that denial is the disease of alcoholism, not just its primary symptom." I'd say denial is the disease, and alcoholism is the symptom. There are countless other symptoms, but we've got to get to the heart of this illness.