Pat Summerall Profile.

[Affair on Touhy Ave.]

YouTube - Pat Summerall Profile

Mainly about his carrer and in alcohol problem.

But here's what I have to ask.

They say it's hard to overcome drugs and alcohol addictions. But in what way?

I can see being so stoned and being incappable of seeing your problems.

But I question when some say denial is part of the illness.

The way I see it is a lot of people don't like to admit they're wrong when it comes to their faults, including addictions. So why call that part of it part of the disease?

It was probably no accident that Pat became an alchoholic. Probably was one of those people who went out and drank hard,( which a lot of athetes do), I have very little sympathy for him and most people who fall into these problems.


Especially when he expresses being angry at everyone for tricking him into going for treatment. What right did he have to feel that way?

What's yout take on this?

[charlene]

addicts of any kind don't go out to become addicted. it happens over time and the effects on the mind and body are severe and sometimes they cannot be overcome to get back to being healthy. the thought processes of addicts are not 'normal'..the drug of choice renders them unable to see things as we do about their addiction, their rehab etc.
nobody likes to admit being wrong and there are plenty of people around who are not addicts who never will admit to being wrong. that's a personality issue.
addicts, even when not drunk or stoned will not admit to being addicts. that's how it is. those who may admit it may then say they can clean up on their own. and congrats to those few who can.
Drugs and alcohol, tobacco/caffeine, whatever the issue may be, reacts in each person in different degrees..The alcohol/drugs effect on the brain clearly shows that it alters thinking. That's why drunks think they can still drive...
A lack of sympathy,empathy,compassion for anyone who suffers from a life altering health issue such as addiction is of no help to anyone, especially those who have perhaps become addicts because they never had any empathy or compassion in their lives prior to being addicts. Bad things happen to good people and they fall into alife they never ever thought they'd be in. A lack of humanity in those around them just makes their lives worse.
Empathy is what makes us humans.

[Affair on Touhy Ave.]

I'm not saying that they all go out to become addicted.

However is some cases such as the case of alcohol, some do go out to get drunk which I'm sure can cause one to get that way.

I don't know if this was the case with Pat, nor do I assume it. But I often get the impression that in the sportsworld so many fall into a rebelious state by going crazy, like drinking heavily.

You may have a point. But when you see the damage they do because of it as mentioned, how can you help but feel in such a way?

[charlene]

Getting drunk and the tolerance to drugs and alcohol is different for each person.
People who go out on weekends and get drunk to any degree and behave like that over a period of time may find that the recreational drinking they were doing has now developed into an addiction. It's not planned and it's not something easily stopped.
Over indulgence is in all facets of life - teens, students in post secondary school, athletes, doctors, stay at home mums, - going out or staying in and drinking to any degree on a regular basis can be the lead-in to alcoholism and add in the possiblity that inheriting some addictive behaviours, you will find people totally surprised at how they can't live without their drinks.
Any damage they do others, property or themselves is directly related to the loss of control they have when they do become addicted. They have altered their normal thought pocesses. Sane decisions and ratinal thought are gone.
the way to stop it is to not start it. otherwise it's just a crapshoot. but for those who have got themselves into it so far that they require intervention help they need compassion...they did not willfully set out to become addicts or alcoholics..
I can't dismiss people or judge harshly those who are suffering from addictions or mental health issues as I would like to believe that if it were me I would be blessed with the care and empathy of people who would not judge and instead would help.
Do unto others....