a note from my brother
His wife recently told us he's an alcoholic. She told us in confidence a couple of weeks ago, then last week told him she told us. His response to an email I sent him today follows. I have my own views but am very curious to see what everyone things of this email...
He's been sober since Saturday and told his wife that since he's got through the withdrawl symptoms he feels fine and just needs to find another way to deal with stress in the future. And since he's gotten through this fine, he's not an alcoholic.
The email:
Thanks for your note. I am sorry for not responding to your earlier
email. That was obviously rude and I didn't mean to offend you. I do
have a lot going on, but that's no excuse.
As for her coming to you, mom, and dad, I'm pretty furious about it.
I won't deny that I drink more than I should, but she is
exaggerating. Our relationship is not going so well and she's pinning
much of it on my drinking habits. She told me for the first time this
weekend that she had talked to mom and dad. If she said what it
sounded like she said, I'm sure you all think I'm passed out half of
every day, not to mention abusive. Which isn't the case. I've been
thinking about how I wanted to deal with this with you all and hadn't
decided yet. I agree with her that I over do it, so I'm not drinking
at the moment. But I'm afraid she's overstated the case.