Ask Amy: Self-proclaimed “happy drunk” considers quitting drinking

Dear Amy:

I am a man in my early 70s, and I drink too much. I started when I was 16 and have continued my entire life. Five or six cocktails (80 proof) each evening is the norm for me.

I haven’t looked into Alcoholics Anonymous for the following reason: I don’t have anyone to apologize to. Everything you hear about AA involves atoning for all the people you have hurt, but alcohol hasn’t caused problems for me.

I’m a happy drunk. I sit in my chair and drink and watch ballgames. It hasn’t caused any marital, family, or legal issues. I never missed work due to a hangover. People tell me I am the easiest-going guy they have ever met.

I coached my two sons for years in baseball. I never drank before games or practices. I never drink before any type of public function and never drive drunk.

Since retiring from my career in 2016, I have been operating a very successful business from my home. The last physical I had (five years ago) revealed that my liver is fine. I am healthy and cycle about 50 miles a week.

I doubt I could quit cold turkey. I have the shakes when I wake up in the morning, and I usually have one drink before noon just to keep my heart from pounding out of my chest.

I’m also a stubborn old coot when it comes to taking advice, but this problem has me stumped. A lot of people in my age group have lots of health problems. I just keep motoring along, but I know this amount of alcohol is bound to catch up with me. I know I should quit. Your advice?

— Happy Drunk

Drunk:

Your claim that you are a “happy drunk” is somewhat contradicted by the evidence you present. You are obviously addicted — you’ve got the shakes, and you need alcohol to function physically — so I suggest that your addiction has affected your life and relationships in profound ways.

You are relying on a five-year-old physical for evidence that you are healthy. Your first step should be to have a thorough checkup; describe your alcohol addiction frankly and honestly with your physician, and ask for advice on how to address it.

There are medications available to treat alcohol use disorder, but because you seem to live alone, surrounded in your home by a lifetime of addictive habits and triggers (as well as your drug of choice) — intensive, medically supervised inpatient rehab might be the best course for you.

Dear Amy:

I’m a millennial. Growing up, I played tennis with my dad regularly. Neither of us were very good at the game, but it was something we did together.

A few years ago, I got burned out and stopped playing tennis. It was during the pandemic, and I just got tired of doing it. My father would either cancel or be late about half the times we were scheduled to play, which was stressful.

Ever since then, my father asks me to play tennis whenever I see him, which is usually twice a month. He’ll ask me: “Have you given up on tennis?” He also has my mom asking if I will play tennis with him.

— Annoyed Son

Annoyed:

Speaking of annoying inquiries, I might place yours into that category. Have you ever simply told your folks that you’ve given up playing tennis?

Your father quite obviously would like to revive the idea of doing something special with you. Rather than understand this as a bid for connection, you choose to be annoyed by it.

The kindest response would be for you to suggest another activity you two could enjoy together. Ping-Pong, perhaps?

Dear Amy:

“Concerned Wife” was grappling with the fact that her husband is considering forgiving his violent son, who had assaulted him in their home.

Forgiveness aside, you failed to mention the fact that they should insist that the stepson must address his drinking problem.

— Also Concerned

Also: Absolutely. This son’s rage seemed fueled by alcohol. He is obviously dangerous.

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 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial, and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders

2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials
   • Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality

Analysis

The article discusses two main issues: alcohol addiction and water quality. Based on these issues, the relevant SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified as follows:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The issue of alcohol addiction is connected to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all. Specifically, Target 3.5 focuses on strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including harmful use of alcohol. The article highlights the protagonist’s excessive drinking habits and his acknowledgement that he needs to address his addiction.

The indicator mentioned in the article is Indicator 3.5.1, which measures the coverage of treatment interventions for substance use disorders. In the case of the protagonist, seeking professional help or joining support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous could be potential treatment interventions.

2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The issue of water quality is connected to SDG 6, which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all. Target 6.3 specifically focuses on improving water quality by reducing pollution and eliminating the release of hazardous chemicals and materials. Although the article does not directly discuss water pollution, it mentions the protagonist’s concern about the potential long-term health effects of his excessive alcohol consumption.

The indicator mentioned in the article is Indicator 6.3.2, which measures the proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality. While the article does not provide specific information about water quality, it indirectly raises awareness about the importance of maintaining clean water sources for overall well-being.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: washingtonpost.com

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