The Normal Alcoholic

Description

MILLIONS OF PEOPLE STRUGGLE EACH DAY of their lives to alle- viate pain, loneliness, insecurity, fear and a sense of not belonging. Many of them seek solace in the bottle, some of them compulsively and with a regularity that is harmful to themselves physically, psychologically and spiritually. Others do so less often and with greater control but with many of the same side effects. These “normal” alcoholics function relatively well and do not manifest the blatant symptoms of alcoholism but they are nevertheless in trouble and will, over time, suffer the con- sequences of their drinking. The unfortunate thing is that, in con- trast to more dysfunctional expressions of alcoholism, little has been written about the meaning and treatment of more functional and normal modes of alcoholism. This book seeks to remedy that situation by addressing such questions as: What is alcoholism? What is normality? What is normal alcoholism? How is it similar to and different from abnormal alcoholism? Can it lead to more debilitating forms of alcoholism? How does it impact on self and others? Why are normal modes of alcoholism seldom treated? What are the consequences of such denial and avoidance? How can you help yourself and others recover from the more ordinary forms of alcoholism?

About the Author: William F. Kraft, PhD, a professor of psychology at Carlow College, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, maintains a part-time private practice and lec- tures locally and nationally on this topic and others. Along with many articles, he has authored six books on the subject of alcoholism and spirituality includ- ing Achieving Promises: A Spiritual Guide for the Transitions of Life (Westminster Press, 1981) and Whole and Holy Sexuality (Abbey Press, 1989).