By Jerry
Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?
Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking and stop telling you what to do?
Have you ever switched from one kind of drink to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting drunk?
Do you envy people who drink without getting in trouble?
Have you had problems connected with drinking during the past year?
Has your drinking caused trouble at home?
Do you ever try to get extra drinks at a party because you do not get enough?
Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk when you don’t mean to?
Have you missed days of work because of drinking?
Do you have blackouts (not remembering what happened after drinking)?
Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink?
The above questions are from the pamphlet “Is A.A. for You?” published by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., New York, N.Y.
The following are some additional questions to ask yourself regarding alcohol.
- Do you isolate when you drink?
- Do you defend your drinking?
- Does your life center around drinking?
- Are you ashamed of your drinking?
- Do you try to conceal or minimize how much you drink?
- Do you feel as if you have to drink so as not to get sick?
Did you answer “yes” four or more times? If so, you are probably in trouble with alcohol. We have a group of law enforcement officers, both currently employed and retired, who meet regularly to discuss our alcohol problems. We do not list the location, time or day of our meeting. It is by personal invitation only. Our meeting is confidential and anonymous. We will be glad to show you how we ourselves have stopped drinking. Just call us: Jerry (602) 904-1088, Dan (602) 413-4558 or Mark (623) 377-3342.
About the Author
Jerry spent 35 years in law enforcement before retiring on January 31, 2008. His assignments included patrol, the information desk, Community Relations Bureau and detectives. He was promoted to sergeant on July 7, 1997. Jerry turned his life and career around when he quit drinking in 1983 after 10 years on the Department. He has since gone more than 40 years without a drink. For those who want to get sober, Jerry has this message to share: “Life is a lot better sober. You don’t have to keep looking behind you to see who’s chasing you.”