Addiction

Problems with alcohol are better defined in terms of the problems themselves than some arbitrary amount consumed.

We can’t expect to address alcoholism without encountering defenses, since they exist to protect alcoholic drinking. But we have an advantage.

I think the continuing popularity of substance use through the ages is because in practical terms, substances work.

“We’re still stuck at the problem of definition. Until we agree on that, I don’t know how we can resolve it.” And not surprisingly, we didn’t.

If you’re happy with your program of recovery, find another therapist who believes in letting the client direct the course of therapy.

The medical professions have been dealing with alcoholism and alcoholics for thousands of years, and this experience has led to some pretty hard and fast views on the subject.

Doesn’t seem to matter much whether fame is rooted in music, film, TV, sports, politics — there’s this sense of unreality to all of it.

Think of the genetic component as an inherited vulnerability — a predisposition. The more vulnerable you are, the better your chances of becoming an alcoholic.

Takes a while to become really good at it, but most do. Addicts are not always great manipulators — that would be somebody so skilled you never realized you were being manipulated — but they’re bold, persistent, and creative when it comes to getting what they want

When I think of a ‘cure’ for alcoholism, I mean the ability to drink without further problems.