Just say No

Taitusi Sokiveta, Phoenix, Arizona

Just saying ‘No’ to suicide, alcoholism, drug additions, domestic violence, child molestation, rape, cigarettes, smoking and all forms of abuse will not change anything. Former US President Ronald Reagan’s wife, Nancy, said: “Just Say No to Drugs” in the 1980s, but she wasn’t an alcoholic or a drug addict so she can’t relate on how to stop drinking and using drugs.

On the other hand, Betty, another former US President Gerald Ford’s wife, started the Betty Ford Clinic in California for rehabilitation and treatment centre for all kinds of problems because she was at one time an alcoholic herself. Therefore, she knows how to help people to recover from this hopeless state of mind and body so she is the best person to relate.

Suicide, alcoholism, drug addiction, violent behaviours, rapists, child molesters and all forms of abusive behaviours, with just saying ‘No’ is not good enough.

We must work a 12-step programme of Alcohol Anonymous and an All 12-step Recovery programme one day at a time, seven days a week, 365 days in a year for the rest of our lives.

Being an alcoholic before, when I get up in the morning, I ask God to keep me sober today and at night.

I don’t worry about tomorrow or yesterday, only about staying sober today and taking one day at a time.

If it wasn’t for God, the 12-step programme of Alcoholic Anonymous, I wouldn’t be writing this letter.

I would have been dead already from chronic alcoholism. Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj