At St. Paul 'wet house,' liquor can be their life -- and death

PoliticAverse

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Sun Feb-20-11 03:38 PM
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At St. Paul 'wet house,' liquor can be their life -- and death

The men at this St. Paul 'wet house' don't want your help, or your hope. And they won't get better. It's a place where the most hopeless of alcoholics can drink away their final days at less risk and cost to the public.

Read the rest: http://www.twincities.com/ci_16774107

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Stuart G

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Sun Feb-20-11 04:08 PM
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1. An interesting view of one of the most lonely places I have ever read about..nt

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BanzaiBonnie

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Sun Feb-20-11 04:54 PM
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2. It's about loving them where they are

Their condition is so sad. But at the wet house they find respect, safety, care. I find this to be a loving way to treat someone. No one is condemning their drinking disease any more than anyone would condemn someone suffering from the end stages of cancer.

"This is about meeting people where they are and loving them. It's not rocket science," she said. "They still grieve, love and hurt. They still need food and shelter. They are you and I."

Dr. Steven Miles, professor of medicine and bioethics at the University of Minnesota, agreed.

The reason to support St. Anthony is not the money saved but the kindness extended to the residents. "It is the humanity of it, just like humanity drives the hospice system," he said.

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BobbyBoring

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Sun Feb-20-11 05:15 PM
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3. Wow

Thanks for posting that! I had no idea such places existed. I have a dear friend that has elected to drink herself to death. We have tried everything to no avail. She has Hep C, needs a liver transplant, but will not quit.

As much as I hate to say it, this would be the place for her, even if it is all men~

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japple

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Sun Feb-20-11 06:35 PM
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4. So sad. Thanks for posting this. My BIL just got out of rehab last

Edited on Sun Feb-20-11 06:39 PM by japple

Fall. He has been drinking and taking drugs for 35 years, started when he was about 13. His liver is shot and if he starts drinking or drugging again, it will kill him. He knows this but it might be more than he can manage.

Edit to add: You're right, BonzaiBonnie. This is a compassionate, loving way to treat someone who has a life-threatening, uncurable disease like alcoholism.

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midnight

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Sun Feb-20-11 07:37 PM
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5. Is alcoholism considered a disease? Some recover and some do not?

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