I am 75 and have an alcohol problem. I am unable to attend AA meetings because of transportation problems. Is there something I can do at home to aid me in this problem?

Conrad

You might consider contacting your local Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) group, or the "Intergroup" that manages 12-step programs throughout your region, to see if anyone might be able to provide or arrange transportation to meetings. Many AA members remember their own struggles to become sober and provide assistance to others when possible.

If that doesn't work out, you might try some of the AA resources available online, such as meetings held as computer chat sessions or through email lists. You can find lists of such resources at the website of The Online Intergroup of AA. One page contains links to "real-time" AA meetings held as chat sessions, while another lists links to AA meetings "held" through email.

And, of course, you can help yourself resist the temptation to drink by ridding your home of all alcohol -- liquor, beer, wine, etc. Give it away or pour it down the sink.

You might also try to identify and address some of the psychological factors associated with your drinking. Some people drink as a form of self-medication for anxiety or depression, or to numb distressing feelings or memories. Unfortunately, such efforts usually backfire. (Drinking while depressed is an especially counterproductive behavior, because alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. You just end up feeling more depressed -- and possibly feeling more alone if the drinking alienates friends and family.) If you find it difficult to assess and address such associated problems on your own, counseling can help. Some communities offer transportation to doctors' offices (which could include mental health professionals) for indigent, disabled or elderly individuals. Good luck.