e-Profile Login and ID Quick Search
Kentucky News: Alcoholism
Published in the September 2008 Kentucky Board of Pharmacy Newsletter
This is one definition of alcoholism (or you may substitute drug addiction) that may help us to understand a bit better why the alcoholic acts the way he or she does. Alcoholism (or addiction) is a disease, the very nature of which renders the victim incapable of recognizing the severity of the symptoms, the progression of the disease, and of accepting any ordinary offers of help. This definition comes from Father Vernon Johnson, the founder of the Johnson Institute. It is most important in that it says the disease itself renders the victim incapable of recognizing the severity of the symptoms. This may well be why it is a waste of time to say to the alcoholic or addict “Don’t you see how bad your drinking is?” or “Don’t you see how much worse you’re drinking is?” Of course they do not see this. The disease has rendered them incapable of seeing these facts. It is contrary to the nature of the disease for them to see this.
So, what do you as a concerned loved one or colleague do when you see this happening? You may make the extraordinary offer to help and call the Kentucky Pharmacists Recovery Network (KYPRN) at 502/749-8385 or contact KYPRN via e-mail at kyprn@insightbb.com about how to obtain help for the person for whom you care. We are most fortunate here in Kentucky that health care professionals have options for help.
