Attitudes part 1

Attitudes part 1

Ever wondered how deeply our attitudes shape our actions, especially towards alcohol? In this episode of Recovery Radio Network, Father Joseph C. Martin dives into the concept of attitudes and their powerful influence on our behaviour. He shares his experiences and the invaluable guidelines he learned from Mrs. Gertrude Nielsen, a social worker who helped create the first alcoholism law in the United States.

Father Martin recounts a poignant story about a young parole officer who, after hearing one of his talks, asked, 'Now what do we do?' This question sparked a follow-up session where Father Martin presented practical guidelines for helping alcoholics, condensed from Nielsen's 'ten commandments' into eight actionable steps. Father Martin emphasises that attitudes are more than just opinions; they govern our actions and are incredibly difficult to change.

He uses humour and relatable anecdotes to illustrate how ingrained our attitudes can be, making it clear that while changing one's mind is possible, altering deep-seated feelings is a much tougher challenge. He also discusses the difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism, urging us to reconsider our judgments and perceptions. One of the most striking points is his discussion on how society often condones drunkenness through laughter, which in turn perpetuates high rates of alcoholism.

He challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes towards drinking and drunkenness, asking whether we view them as moral or immoral actions. If you're looking for practical advice on how to support someone struggling with alcohol addiction or simply want to understand more about the power of attitudes, this episode is a must-listen. Father Martin's blend of humour, wisdom, and real-life examples will leave you thinking long after the episode ends.