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Old 05-18-2018, 03:27 PM
  # 16 (permalink)  
awuh1
Sober Alcoholic
 
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,539
Good discussion.

The problem I am having is with the term "untreated alcoholism". Alcoholism is not "treated" in AA, it is addressed. Substance use disorders and alcohol use disorders are treated by treatment professionals.

Depression is a diagnosable condition, alcoholism is not. Substance and alcohol use disorders are frequently the focus of treatment and are often related to each other. This relationship, however, is not the same for every individual who has both of these conditions. I think you do a good job of pointing this out Pathwaytofree.

Bill W's depression continued well into the 1950's. More than 20 years after he got sober. Lets be clear. Bill did not get sober as a result of the steps. He got sober as a result of a spiritual experience/awakening. His experience/awakening did not lift his depression.

There were few options for the treatment of depression when Bill got sober. Thankfully that has changed enormously. There's a great deal that can be done to treat depression, and everyone who suffers from it should be made aware of this.

Sponsors should be guides for working the steps. They can also frequently be very good spriritual advisors and friends. But they should not attempt to act as therapists.

Thanks for a good discussion Pathwaytofree.
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