More education needed on alcoholism, addiction

National media attention has recently been on women and alcoholism. This is in light of the mother who killed several children and adults while driving intoxicated on the wrong side of the freeway. Tests revealed she had the equivalent of 10 shots of alcohol, and marijuana, in her system.

It does not surprise me that her family is in complete denial about her substance abuse. One of the prime symptoms of alcoholism and codependency is denial. The incredible part of this story is that authorities and the media are questioning if her husband knew of her substance abuse and could have prevented her from using.

As a recovering alcoholic woman, I can tell you that she probably hid her problem very well, so well that even those closest to her did not know. Secrecy is one tragedy of addiction. How was her husband supposed to stop her? Sadly, he was a victim of her illness.

Bottom line, police investigators, the media and the general public need to be better educated about alcoholism and addiction. One way to do this is to attend a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. There are many in this area. Call Alcoholics Anonymous or 211 for more information.

Gail Coleman

Cedar Rapids