Dear Gregor, as you might know, I have a special feeling in my heart for those that are addicted to alcohol. I have known the story of one soul that determined to quit so badly he made a sincere promise to God and his wife by writing in the family Bible in the name of the Lord that he would never drink again. He was so sincere but drink is powerful, subtle, and most of all, patient. He drank again and started finding himself in the hospital wards. The doctor told his wife that it would probably end very soon, as he had mentally and physically destroyed himself. This man had seen many doctors, psychiatrists and went to church but it seemed he was doomed. One night, while he was trying to dry out in a hospital, he suddenly cried out, "If their is a God, show yourself and deliver me!"
He had reached his total bottom, and all hope that he could defeat alcohol was gone. He later stated that all at once, he felt that he was on a mountain, surrounded by a dazzling white light, an the cool air of the Spirit of God was blowing through him. This man had gave up and had felt total defeat when he had this spititual experience.
He was shortly released from the hospital. and although he suffered with bouts of depression, he never again desired a drink. He was reborn and later, became the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, the altruistic organization that has the highest success rate of any other method since tried. That of one drunk helping another.
God help your young friend and his family. Recommend that he call a recovering drunk that belongs to A.A.
James
PS(by the way the man's name was Bill W., a stockbroker in New York City)
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