HOW TO STOP THE ONE YOU LOVE FROM DRINKING: I Know Because Intervention Worked for Me

by Mary Ellen with Families in Crisis Pinkham ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 15, 1986

Known for her helpful hints to homemakers, the author has taken on something more complex and troubling--namely, alcoholism. Briskly defining the issues and how to spot the telltale signs in oneself and others, she goes on to describe what alcohol does to people and families and how it is a disease, not a moral or character flaw. She reveals her own drinking problem and that of other members of her family, As a booster of a technique known as Intervention--basically a loving confrontation with the drinker by those nearest and dearest--she is zealous and with good reason: the waste in lives and property are depressing and well-documented. For example, the third leading cause of birth defects is fetal alcohol syndrome. Ironically, this is the only birth defect that is preventable. The author is enlightening on what sometimes seems an American pastime--DWI, She lists some stern measures taken against drunk drivers in other lands: Turks make an offender walk 20 miles; the English, Finns and Swedes hand out automatic one-year jail sentences; and the Bulgarians execute a second offender. Pinkham's direct style--and her message--will appeal to many readers.

Pub Date: Sept. 15, 1986

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1986

Categories: NONFICTION