Ask Amy: I found out my friend has been lying about mounting trouble with alcohol abuse. Should I tell her I know?

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Friendship

Introduction

Two years ago, my friend “Kim” admitted that she has cut alcohol out of her life after her brother died due to his alcoholism. This article explores the challenges faced by individuals dealing with addiction and the importance of maintaining honesty in friendships.

Friendship without Alcohol

• Kim’s decision to quit alcohol was commendable.
• Enjoyed activities together without alcohol.

Discovering the Truth

1. Suspected Kim had been drinking.
2. Confided suspicions to Bea, Kim’s sister-in-law.
3. Bea revealed Kim’s participation in group therapy and second DUI.

Maintaining Confidentiality

• Decided to act oblivious around Kim.
• Kim’s lies escalated, leading to concerns.
• Reached out to Bea for information.
• Discovered Kim spent 30 days in jail for drinking episode.

The Burden of Lies

1. Kim texted about caring for her ailing dad after release.
2. Chose to go along with Kim’s lies due to confidentiality.
3. Kim now requires a ride each time they are together.
4. Kim has lost her driver’s license but provided a false reason.

The Importance of Honesty

• Understanding the challenges faced by Kim.
• Desire to let Kim know she doesn’t need to lie anymore.
• Supporting Kim through her difficult time.

Dilemma and Seeking Advice

Caught between maintaining confidentiality and supporting Kim.

Advice from Amy Dickinson

The Need for Honesty

Amy advises Worried Friend to be honest with Kim about her suspicions and offer support without judgment.

Approaching Kim

1. Express concerns about suspected relapse.
2. Assure Kim of support and non-judgmental attitude.
3. Encourage honesty about her drinking, but respect her readiness.

Contacting Amy Dickinson

You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
   • Indicator: Number of people receiving treatment for substance abuse disorders.

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Indicator: Proportion of population that has experienced a dispute in the past two years and sought a resolution through a formal or informal mechanism.

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3 and SDG 16.

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

1. Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
2. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

The article mentions or implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Number of people receiving treatment for substance abuse disorders (indicator for Target 3.5).
• Proportion of population that has experienced a dispute in the past two years and sought a resolution through a formal or informal mechanism (indicator for Target 16.6).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.

Fuente: oregonlive.com

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