AI Chat Search Browse Media On This Day Map Quotations Timeline Research Free Datasets Remembered About Contact
☶ Go up a page

The Dilemma Of Being Alcoholic And Homosexual (Press, 18 July 1981)

This is a Generative AI summary of this newspaper article. It may contain errors or omissions. Please note that the language in the summary is reflective of the original article and the societal attitudes of the time in which it was written.

Summary: The Dilemma Of Being Alcoholic And Homosexual (Press, 18 July 1981)

The article discusses the challenges faced by gay alcoholics in New Zealand, highlighting the story of a man named Bill, who has been sober for seven years after struggling with alcoholism for years. Bill's journey involves his recognition of his homosexuality from a young age and the influences of his family background, particularly with an alcoholic mother. His alcoholism worsened following a traumatic end to a long-term relationship and his subsequent move to Australia, where his drinking escalated significantly. Returning to New Zealand, Bill found recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), but he acknowledged that many gay individuals struggle to confront their alcoholism, particularly within “straight” A.A. groups. To address the unique needs of homosexuals, a dedicated support group called Aquarius was established in Christchurch, aimed at providing a safe space for gay alcoholics to address their issues without facing discrimination. Bill played a pivotal role in creating the group in response to concerns from doctors about the high number of gay individuals seeking help for alcohol-related problems. The article outlines the societal challenges and stigma that gay people face, which may contribute to higher rates of alcoholism. Surveys from cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles indicate that a substantial percentage of gay populations battle alcohol issues, suggesting that the stresses related to societal acceptance could be significant factors. Many gay individuals reportedly turn to alcohol as a means of coping with the discrimination and challenges of their orientation. Bill and other members of the Aquarius group believe that it is crucial to have a support structure specifically tailored for homosexuals, as traditional treatment programs may not fully address their unique experiences. They emphasise that the group promotes honesty and acceptance, allowing members to confront their alcoholism in a supportive environment. Health professionals reiterate the importance of acknowledging the challenges faced by gay individuals and stress that while social pressures may influence alcohol use, the group's primary goal remains focused on sobriety. The Aquarius group not only provides therapeutic support but also offers a social space for gay men and women away from traditional drinking venues. Bill hopes the group can attract more gay alcoholics seeking recovery, emphasizing that sobriety is a reachable goal and that being an alcoholic does not have to define their lives.

Important Information

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

Creative Commons Licence The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand

Publish Date:18th July 1981
URL:https://www.pridenz.com/paperspast_chp19810718_2_93_3.html