Despite Life's Adversities, Man Triumphs Over Addiction
Both his professional and personal life were marked by tumult and tragedy.
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November 13, 2009
Feelings of loneliness and discrimination at a young age drove Walt Jay into alcoholism as a method of self-medication. As a result, both his professional and personal life were marked by tumult and tragedy.
In particular, Jay lost his wife Dixie, who was also an alcoholic, to lung cancer and his son is now batting a terminal disease. In addition, he admits his promising legal career was stunted as his employers inevitably discovered his secret.
However, the semi-retired attorney says he refused to be knocked out. "I always got off the mat and got other jobs," he stresses.
Jay eventually became sober with the help of the 12-step program, and he hopes his story will serve as a cautionary tale and prevent others from letting addiction ruin their careers.
Statistics suggests that some 14 million people in the U.S. are addicted to or abuse alcohol.
Overcoming addiction is among the most difficult struggles in anyone's life, but experts say with proper motivation it is possible. Seeking help with appropriately trained physicians and addiction specialists is key to success, but a trusted network of family and friends who can help customize and support the treatment program is also crucial.
There is a variety of resources available both off and online that can sustain recovering and recovered alcoholics and their families and prevent a relapse. Interested individuals may visit the website of Recovery Connection for more information.
Feelings of loneliness and discrimination at a young age drove Walt Jay into alcoholism as a method of self-medication. As a result, both his professional and personal life were marked by tumult and tragedy.
In particular, Jay lost his wife Dixie, who was also an alcoholic, to lung cancer and his son is now batting a terminal disease. In addition, he admits his promising legal career was stunted as his employers inevitably discovered his secret.
However, the semi-retired attorney says he refused to be knocked out. "I always got off the mat and got other jobs," he stresses.
Jay eventually became sober with the help of the 12-step program, and he hopes his story will serve as a cautionary tale and prevent others from letting addiction ruin their careers.
Statistics suggests that some 14 million people in the U.S. are addicted to or abuse alcohol.
Overcoming addiction is among the most difficult struggles in anyone's life, but experts say with proper motivation it is possible. Seeking help with appropriately trained physicians and addiction specialists is key to success, but a trusted network of family and friends who can help customize and support the treatment program is also crucial.
There is a variety of resources available both off and online that can sustain recovering and recovered alcoholics and their families and prevent a relapse. Interested individuals may visit the website of Recovery Connection for more information.
