Ruth Ann Allaire

It Is Not Always Easy to Love a Drunk Ruth Ann Allaire

Alcohol ruins many lives. Not just the addicts but also the many whose lives are intertwined with the alcoholic, This small book examines the problem from the eyes and heart of those who witness the destruction and despair caused by this addiction. Of course, there are many other addictions with equally devastating consequences but this study is primarily focused on alcohol. Many alcoholics have extraordinary talents and wonderful aspects to their personalities. Those associated stay in relationships with the addict for many reasons. One is hope. Hope that things will change, that by some miracle or program or treatment, the alcoholic will turn around and become what is so called "normal." Some of these poems include the anger and hostility of the associate and some examine the interactions between them. Gallows takes a more distanced view. The frustration, bitterness and even hatred are aspects of this dynamic. The alcoholic often cries out for help but then is unable to follow through with the needed steps. However, for whatever small percentage of alcoholics make manifest their change for the better, kudos from this author.