primitives discuss wet houses

[franksolich]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1232066

Oh my.

It's a lazy summer Sunday afternoon; it might as well be August.

It's so boring on Skins's island today I just loaded up a random campfire to bring over here.

xxxxxx xxx xxxxx  (1000+ posts)        Sun Jun-05-11 12:04 PM
Original message
 
What's you view on "Wet Houses?"

I have many more links I googled up, but here's one to a story I saw yesterday on teevee.

I think the opening paragraph says it all in terms of what these places are.

Major news wires recently began carrying a story about a “wet house” in St. Paul, Minn. A wet house is a facility where alcoholics, many of which are homeless, can go to live but continue to drink on the theory that it is better for them and society at large if they can at least stay safe. More cities are beginning to have similar facilities.

http://www.newsytype.com/5928-wet-house-centers/

pnwmom  (1000+ posts)      Sun Jun-05-11 12:09 PM
Response to Original message
 
1. I think that for alcoholics in the end stages, it's a compassionate solution.

And better than forcing them to live on the streets.

Archae (1000+ posts)        Sun Jun-05-11 12:09 PM
Response to Original message
 
2. If they are that hopeless, let them.

I've seen too many alcoholics ruin just about everyone in their family, if that family tries to help.

There are going to be those who fail at rehab, and/or reject any.

At least give them a place where they can live the rest of thier miserable lives.

underpants  (1000+ posts)        Sun Jun-05-11 12:10 PM
Response to Original message
 
3. My brother is a recovering alcoholic
 
alcoholics need to stop drinking. That is it.

This sounds like people soaking drunks for cash.

Roselma  (161 posts)     Sun Jun-05-11 12:12 PM
Response to Original message
 
4. It is more humane and pragmatic than simply letting the homeless alcoholics live under a bridge. Plus, since is "saves" money over providing in-hospital treatment(s) over and over again. It accepts people "where/how they are" in life and tries to make the best of a bad situation.

NYC_SKP   (1000+ posts)        Sun Jun-05-11 12:13 PM
Response to Original message
 
5. Paid for with public or private or nonprofit funds? It makes a difference, I think.

Generally, it sounds like it's better for all that they have a safe warm place to be, but I'd like to see support provided for working toward sobriety.

If publicly funded, it might be a good thing but I'd become less supportive if they bring in AA because of the religious angle.

Good question...

[GOBUCKS]

A wet house is a facility where alcoholics, many of which are homeless, can go to live but continue to drink on the theory that it is better for them and society at large if they can at least stay safe. More cities are beginning to have similar facilities.

Sounds like a great project for Wishadoo! Maybe Jimmy Carter will join in!

[longview]

I have a totally different view on the purpose of life.  My life philosophy is probably about 170 degrees from that.

We all face challenges.  We can all be better than we are.  My responsibility to others and myself is to provide opportunities to choose better ways.  Never giving up.  Will everyone take the chances they get?  No.  Will I always choose the best for myself?  No.  But there is not a point where I can just quit. 

The DUmmy way will not suit me.  The concept of wet houses seem very paternalistic, controlling, and condescending. 

[Skul]

NYC_SKP   (1000+ posts)        Sun Jun-05-11 12:13 PM
Response to Original message
 
5. Paid for with public or private or nonprofit funds? It makes a difference, I think.

Generally, it sounds like it's better for all that they have a safe warm place to be, but I'd like to see support provided for working toward sobriety.

If publicly funded, it might be a good thing but I'd become less supportive if they bring in AA because of the religious angle.

Excuse me, DUmbass.  Isn't the idea to just help folks?

What is it with moronic regressives that can only accept help if it comes from government?
Of course, we know who they want running the government, now, don't we?

What a pack of hateful, racist, bigots. Shameful.

[BlueStateSaint]

What a ****ing DUchebag.

NYC_SKP   (1000+ posts)        Sun Jun-05-11 12:13 PM
Response to Original message
 
5. Paid for with public or private or nonprofit funds? It makes a difference, I think.

Generally, it sounds like it's better for all that they have a safe warm place to be, but I'd like to see support provided for working toward sobriety.

If publicly funded, it might be a good thing but I'd become less supportive if they bring in AA because of the religious angle.

AA doesn't push religion on anybody.  In my group, there's a guy who's about 43 1/2 years sober--and he's an agnostic.  Has anybody ever tried to convert him?  I'm sure that this has happened, but I've never asked him, and that's something I wouldn't ever ask him.  Religon is something very personal, and it's up to that person how--or if--they ever want to express it.  Yes, we have as one of the steps, "Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity."  There's nothing about what that Power is, or even if you choose to worship one.  It's encouraged to acknowledge a Higher Power--but the only requirement for membership in AA is a sincere desire to stop drinking.