We think both of these psychotherapies can be helpful in treating depression and in handling the alcohol problem as well. AA has long been recognized as a helpful support in dealing with drinking problems. To help keep track of your drinking, your mood, and your AA attendance, we will ask you to keep a diary during the period of the study. You will meet with a trained rater who will ask you questions every two weeks. We will also check your alcohol consumption by breathalyzer or blood test, and we will ask your permission to contact someone close to you who can tell us about how you're doing.
Treatment is free for people who meet study eligibility.
And, that' where alcohol comes in to play. Definitely, bringing this topic up and out into the light of day is the most wonderful thing that has happened, I think, in a long time. Very moving indeed. My family life as a child was a horror because of alcohol, both my parents were alcoholics. My problem is more one of my thinking clearly, and looking the real problem squarely in the eye.