Was it a problem in your congregation?
Alcoholics and alcoholism in the congregations
by badboy 23 Replies latest jw friends
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ozziepost
No.
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new light
Define "problem". I found that it normalized JWs in that they were able to cut loose at "gatherings". It also seemed that they were less likely to meddle in the affairs of others if they were hiding their own vices.
So yes, through the eyes of a non-alcoholic outsider, they absolutely had an alcohol problem. But, hey, they've already thrown their lives away by becoming JWs in the first place, so what's the harm in being a drunk?
It's quite sad, really. I think the JWs that medicate the most are the ones with the most potential, the ones who sense more than the rest that something is not right with their lives. These poor souls live with the most pain on a daily basis, and when they have that drink or pop that pill or whatever, they find an abnormally large amount of relief, which makes the next dosage almost immediately desirable and leads quickly into habituation and, eventually, addiction.
The same thing happens out in the real world, to be fair, but the JWs options for mind medicines are quite limited to alcohol and legal prescriptions. It's not like they can just spark up some good bud, because if they are caught, they are in trouble, for that qualifies as pharmakia, a disfellowshipping offense. Funny how they don't apply that word to anything legal, just to things that might bring reproach on the organization.
This has been a little rambling, but here's a summary:
1. There is more pain, at least for the intelligent and/or ambtious, in being a JW as opposed to being normal.
2. Since healthy ways of managing the pain (recreational weekends, hobbies, meditation, social engagements with non-cult members,
volunteering at the soup kitchen, etc) are frowned upon, self-medication becomes a viable alternative.
3. Hey, Jesus drank wine!
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blondie
The problem was not so much overdrinking and alcoholism but that it was ignored until the witness was one step away from liver meltdown or was involved in a "driving while intoxicated/under the influence" accident or police stop. Nothing like getting your name in the paper to get the elders mobilized.
Blondie
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betty boop
i remember there being 2 or 3 people with obvious alcohol abuse problems. One sister (who in the past had had "same-sex" issues) got so angry at another brothers house while she was drunk she went into a rage and started to throw things around and break them. They took her privelages away for a few months. It was really funny to see her squirm in her seat during the meetings cuz she couldnt comment. lol
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logansrun
Could it be that, because Witnesses have such close contact with each other over an extended period of time, they simply are more aware of problems of fellow JWs? The closer you are the more "dirt" you know.
B.
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Dawn
Yes - definately. My father was an alcoholic and when I was really young (4-8yrs old) my father and the PO were drinking buddies - they regularly got slammed together. The PO also beat his wife .
The elders knew my father was drinking, he was even in a car accident while driving drunk and almost died. They still ignored it. Fortunately, my father eventually got sober and stayed sober for well over 20 yrs before he passed away. But most of the ones that really need help are afraid to get it because it will expose them to discipline by the elders. I'm sure this was part of the reason it took my dad so long - he really wanted to get sober but it was hard to do it without help of counseling or support groups.
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minimus
It was/is a problem that is winked at. Since all the Bethel heavies seem to have this one secret "group sin", it is tolerated. Goes back to "Booze Rutherford" , I guess.
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Room 215
New Light, Minimus et al: You're quite right on both counts: alcohol is a JW's favorite-- maybe only -- palliative for the mind-numbing drudgery of their lives, and the drinking culture is pervasive at headquarters (not to mention most Branch Offices).
When I was at Bethel, there were at least six persons (including two wives of higher-ups) with serious alcoholism. Here's an old thread that provides a bit of a glimpse into that culture.
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BrendaCloutier
The problem I saw when I was active, and still see, is the JW mindset on alcoholism. Please advise if I am wrong, but alcoholism is not considered a disease by JW standards, but still a moral issue. At least that was still the stance with my parents about 12 years ago. Hence, the shame and guilt when one cannot control their alcohol use.
I know that attitude with it's shame and guilt kept me from seeking help when I first realized I had a problem with alcohol. It took 4 more years to finally bite the bullet and open that door to the basement of a Baptist church seeking help from AA. Even though I had been out for several years, that shame and guilt and fear of devine retribution still haunted me, even though I "knew" better. That was 1987. I've been clean since 1990. No easy task unto itself with the best support in the world.
Just as the attitudes toward outside counseling, psychology, etc., prevents JW's from seeking necessary medical treatment.
Isolationism is deadly.
Brenda