DEAR GRAPEVINE

As a psychologist in addictions, with 23 years of recovery in AA, I would like to express concern about the letter titled "Misdiagnosis" (Dear Grapevine, September 2009). While it is true that many people in mental health have inadequate addictions training, it is also true that many people with addictions have other mental health issues. I have not seen the sign, "I have one disease--alcoholism--and if I take care of that one disease, everything will be okay," at any meeting, nor is this sentiment reflected in any AA literature.