Originally Posted by
dandylion 
If they took full responsibility for their actions...they wouldn't be able to stand it---because the only logical thing would be to stop drinking---which feels like a death sentence to a person who can't function without it.
Well, this is logical thinking, but all alcoholics don't think this way. It's typical of many to blame shift, but not all. The A in my life takes full responsibility - has never been to AA or counseling, he just knows full well that heavy drinking is his choice and "in his genes." My A blames no one for his drinking and still drinks a
lot. The way he deals with it is by hating himself outright. He said so to me last night. "I hate myself all the time. This is no ones fault but mine." Personally, I have no idea how someone lives hating themselves, but this is how he copes.