Positive Psychology: Alcohol abuse and dependence

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Alcohol abuse and dependence

From what I know about alcoholism, I'd say there's nothing romantic, nothing grand, nothing heroic, nothing brave -- nothing like that about drinking. It's a real coward's death.

Quoted in Paul Nelson, "Warren Zevon's Resurrection: How he saved himself from a coward's death", Rolling Stone (1981-03-19)

"I got to be the most fucked-up rock star on the block, at least on my block. And then I got to be a sober dad for 18 years. I've had two very full lives.

Quoted in, "Werewolves of London' singer dead at 56", Associated Press (2003-09-08)

Positive Psychology given credence by Academia:

Positive psychology is the scientific study of the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive.

Commentators on the subject Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, note that:

"The field of positive psychology at the subjective level is about valued subjective experiences: well-being, contentment, and satisfaction (in the past); hope and optimism (for the future); and flow and happiness (in the present).

At the individual level, it is about positive individual traits: the capacity for love and vocation, courage, interpersonal skill, aesthetic sensibility, perseverance, forgiveness, originality, future mindedness, spirituality, high talent, and wisdom.

At the group level, it is about the civic virtues and the institutions that move individuals toward better citizenship: responsibility, nurturance, altruism, civility, moderation,tolerance, and work ethic."