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Ian Asotte's Articles in Addictions

  • Top Ten Signs You Might Be An Alcoholic (Humorous)
    Members of Alcoholics Anonymous often use humor to lighten the seriousness of the disease. Here are some all too true but laffable signs that you might be an alcoholic.
  • Radio Interview With Ian Asotte on Alcoholism
    This article is a synopsis of an interview done in April 2008 on broadcast and internet radio programs with Ian M. Asotte, the author of “S.O.B.E.R., How the Irritating Acronyms of Alcoholics Anonymous Helped Get One Drunk Sober”. Questions on alcoholism, recovery and why humor is an important part of the process are discussed.
  • Letter to My Best Friend Alcohol (Humorous)
    For many an alcoholic, alcohol was truly their best friend for years. This letter is written tongue in cheek by someone who questions why the friendship was deteriorating. A list of words difficult, very difficult and impossible to say when drunk is also offered.
  • How Do You Know If You’re An Alcoholic?
    Article Summary: No one can tell you you're an alcoholic but there definitely are signs. Just asking the question of your self is one of them. Others include: embarrassing behavior in public and, of course, trouble with the law. They don’t call this the disease of denial for nothing.
  • Handling the Ugly Drunk
    Some alcoholics are just quiet when drunk, some are the life of the party but some become argumentative and confrontational, embarrassing their hosts and families. No one has to tolerate this kind of behavior and should demand it cease or, failing that, eject the offensive ugly drunk. This may sometimes produce just the right impetus for the alcoholic to get help, but don’t expect it. Regardless of the person’s reaction, no one needs to put up with bad behavior.
  • Concerned About Your Drinking?
    Article Summary: Alcoholism is a creepy disease, it creeps up on you when you least expect it. I drank for 35 years but only the last 5-10 could be considered a "problem". Yet I was headed for disaster and only an embarassing incident at a neighbors house caused me to take action. I had lost nothing when I came into Alcoholics Anonymous, not a job nor a marriage. I had never had a D.U.I. or a car accident. It took me several weeks in the program before I understood I was indeed an alcoholic.
  • Concerned About a Family Member or Friend’s Drinking?
    There are at elast 20 million alcoholics in the U.S. Another 3-4 people close to the alcoholic are directly and badly affected by his or her disease. Direct confrontation usally does not work on the alcoholic but it can jar them enough to beging the process of recovery. Professional intervention is another option which, though not a cure, gets them to a rehab where they can learn about the disease. If you believe in it, prayer also works.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous Demystified
    AA is not group therapy, a self-help group, a cult or a religion. It is a way of life based on spiritual principles, yet there are no rules or requirements for membership. You’re a member if you say so and no one can kick you out.