Alcoholic and Drug Addicted Doctors in Denial

aaqld · Veteran Member

Alcoholic and Drug Addicted Doctors in Denial

Nic · Senior Member

Yes, it is a reminder that alcoholism shows no bias, and certainly has no respect for professionalism ..lol.

The reality is...just as AA's can be from all walks of life...Active Alcoholism exists in all walks of life.

I had to stand by and watch a primary school teacher hit rock bottom. I remember feeling so scared when I recognised myself in him. I looked around and wondered if anyone else even realised. He remained in the school system for several years teaching children in mid primary. Totally dysfunctional...forgetful...disorganised...erratic moods (withdrawing from the kids and then bursting into regular rages)...he was always late, often reeking of grog and the system exists in such a way that this was permitted to continue until he himself fell into a screaming heap and refused to return to work.

I kept asking him if he'd tried AA. He kept getting angry and decided he disliked me enormously...except for when I saw him out at night and then he was very friendly always trying to convince me he was a wonderful guy and totally ok. He was eventually replaced as the result of a 'nervous breakdown'. I have always wondered how he got on...exactly how all those kids were affected by spending a year under his guidance.

Alcoholism doesn't discriminate.

Pete131004 · Newbie

It would seem that the Medical point of view for their Doctors reflects the Doctors point of view for their patients. Its hard to find a GP that will send an addict to AA. I tried several GP's (with the attendance of my (now) Al-anon wife) who all said 'Dont stop. Cut down. We can give you something for that, etc. etc.' not one of them said 'Go to AA'. These comments for me (active at the time) were a message from heaven. These 'professionals' were telling me to carry on drinking in front of my wife!.

After two years, the loss of my job, Banned from driving and my wife filing for divorce I finally got the message. Dont listen to doctors and go to AA.

I am sure that most GPs are fine people and know their jobs as well as any other professional. And as I was an active alcoholic I wasnt about to tell the truth when asked How much do I drink. I knew my wife would not believe me if I told her the Doc says Blah.. Blah... so I took her with me so there was no change of her not getting the message. I know now that the denial in me would not let me stop drinking until I got to where I got. I was going to lie, cheat and drink whatever anyone told me and I would only let my wife hear what I wanted her too.

I guess the bottom line is, This illness has no respect for anyone. Race, Colour, Religion, Shape or size. If you got it there is no getting rid of it. Learn to live with it and for me that means AA and the 12 steps. Alcoholism is only a problem for those people who dont have, or dont accept they have, it. I have found that once in recovery an Alcoholic can be a credit to any work force. They have a unique outlook on life only available to those who have looked at the Devil and been lead back to God (as we understand Him). Unfortunately I had to loose almost everything in order to get everything. I know I am not alone.

May your God Bless and keep you One Day At A Time.