Alcohol Abuse

Everyone knows someone who drinks more than he should. Alcohol abuse is a daily problem for a lot of people. It’s especially an issue for an athlete however.

Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers has a history of alcohol related problems. He’s been sober for so long it appeared he had finally won his fight. Unfortunately, a report today indicates that he may have relapsed into his old habit.

I feel sorry for Hamilton, especially given his utter dismay over the incident last summer where a father fell to his death trying to catch a ball tossed into the stands by Hamilton. That wasn’t Josh’s fault but I can’t help wondering how often he thinks “if only” about that incident. If only I hadn’t tossed the ball; If only I’d thrown it harder; If only I’d thrown it differently and over and over.

That kind of thing could drive you crazy.

On the negative side Hamilton has always claimed that his Christian faith is what helped him overcome alcohol. Oh well, so much for depending upon Jesus.

If Hamilton wants to lay the alcohol demon to rest once and for all, he has to realize that he has to accomplish it all by himself because that’s what he needs to happen. You can’t substitute the crutch of religion for the crutch of booze. Both are equally unreliable and, ultimately, equally destructive.

I hope Hamilton works it out. I also hope he realizes when he does that he did it all by himself without Jesus or God or whatever holding his hand.