[skeptoid]

I can't recall reading this sort of commentary in a current news format.
Any mention of the departed's self-destructive tendencies usually comes much later,
and even then without such sad detail.

[vladimir998]

If the unfortunate man - Steve Smith - was a Democrat would we see this so soon after his death?

[BarbM]

I'm sorry he had to die.

As a sober member of AA for 26 years, I was surprised that the writer of the article forgot about AA’s traditions.
Especially ...personal anonymity at the lever of the press. Once you are dead, we can use your last name, but to his sponsor, I wonder if after 30 years, he forgot to remain with-full-name?

[House Atreides]

May he rest in peace and obtain the serenity he was unable to achieve in this life. Prayers up for his family.

[Tax-chick]

This is a very sad story.

[Irenic]

Rest in peace, Steve Smith.

[Prospero]

Time was, not very many years ago, "dipsomania" was a fatal diagnosis. About 1 in every thousand "survived," though many of those died of related causes, even those who had held on to "white knuckle sobriety."

Bill Wilson made was clear about those who criticize any techniques used by genuine alcoholics to quit drinking. He strongly denounced it.

[Oliviaforever]

Yes, drinking in excess over a long period of time can kill you, but it is not a disease, but simply a lack of self discipline.

[Mariner]

“It’s a horrible tragedy,” said Holberg. “It’s an evil, evil disease. It destroys families.

We should outlaw the stuff.

Yeah, it's a horrible disease and every year millions suffer it's wages. Innocent and guilty alike.

[EDINVA]

If it were just a John Doe, there wouldn’t be contemporary commentary, but this man was well known in his district, a public figure in that area. And it’s pretty clear his problem wasn’t any secret to those who knew him. Sad.

[OldPossum]

I have never understood the appeal of alcohol.

I have seen first-hand what it does. My father was an alcoholic. It wrecked his life.