Bush opens up on struggle with alcohol abuse

CNN ^ | 12/11/2008 | Kathleen Koch

[littlehouse36]

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush reflected on his own struggle with alcohol in a White House meeting Thursday that touted gains in the war on drug abuse.

President Bush speaks about his administration's efforts in fighting drug abuse at the White House on Thursday.

CNN was the only media outlet invited to attend the entire meeting, which other reporters joined in the final minutes for remarks from the president.

Several in the room, including Don Coyhis of Colorado Springs, Colorado, who runs a program targeting Native Americans battling substance abuse, were recovered addicts or alcoholics.

Bush, who quit drinking at the age of 40, was impressed.

"Congratulations on 30 years of sobriety," the president told Coyhis. "I'm eight years behind you."

The president told the group of 14 -- all leaders in drug prevention, treatment and interdiction programs across the country -- that a new study shows teen drug abuse has dropped 25 percent since he took office in 2001.

"No question there's still work to do in America, but we are making progress," Bush said.

But the study by the University of Michigan cautioned that progress could be threatened by a drop in the <snip>

[littlehouse36]

"I'm a faith-based guy," Bush explained. "Sometimes, to help change a person's behavior, you have to change their heart. Government's not really good at that."

Amen, Mr. President.

[timestax]

[PJ-Comix]

Maybe it’s just me but I suddenly have an overwhelming urge to drink a beer. And now I shall...

[MAD-AS-HELL]

Too bad he couldn’t kick his addiction to spending being that he’s a RINO.

[Big_Monkey]

Right behind ya. Scotch for me while admiring at my wine mini-fridge.

[Islander7]

“Sometimes, to help change a person’s behavior, you have to change their heart. Government’s not really good at that.”

I beg to differ! I am totally disgusted with both parties and the unionized thugs in government. They have changed my heart for sure.

[doc1019]

AMEN!

[KoRn]

"Maybe it’s just me but I suddenly have an overwhelming urge to drink a beer. And now I shall..."

I'm right there with ya. I'll now have one too...

[Islander7]

Have a cold one on me boys!

[montag813]

Bush’s sympathy for those affected by substance abuse and their families is truly touching, and something he has done tirelessly yet very quietly behind the scenes. He is a man of faith and decency. God bless him (and P.S. extend that compassion to Ramos/Compean)

[montag813]

Lots of crying in beers over people’s 201k statements this weekend. Dow futures down 350 at this moment.

[ZirconEncrustedTweezers]

I had myself two of those tonight. Sam Adams is the beer that got me started on drinking good beer.

[MAD-AS-HELL]

I wonder if he'll have a coke?

[GOP Poet]

Yes. Amen.

[Islander7]

Too late for caffeine, it’ll keep awake. Thanks just the same.

[timestax]

bttt