Dear Manang,
My husband is already an alcoholic, I am sure. We have been married for 20 years. In those years, I can say that only 30 days were free from 2×2 gin. Those were the three times he was hospitalized. I have given up on nagging him but what is dreadful is that the neighborhood hears his bad mouth when he comes home drunk. Is there some secret antidote to alcohol?
Carmen of Pinget, Baguio City
Dear Carmen,
How I wish I could go into an intellectual discussion on the fact that our local gin has no organic source and that it is not called “gin bulag” for nothing. Men know the facts but how can they resist that sweet drink that knocks the brain out and numbs the pain of reality. I was glad the pandemic quarantine cured some through forced withdrawal or absence but I am sure it has returned with a vengeance and the lockdowns are evidence. Here are suggested antidotes – Disulfiram (Antabuse) will make you feel sick or throw up if you drink. Acamprosate (Campral) can help with cravings. Naltrexone (Revia) blocks the high you get from drinking. Seriously, this comes from the Internet and the effects unknown. The best is self-determination.
Healing prayers are best,
Manang
Dear Manang,
I can’t get over how people can be such backstabbers. Each night, I am filled with anger and hate when I think of how some can twist facts and appear like angels instead of admitting that they did something wrong. I boil with resentment and disappointment at the thought that I was ready to give them everything as a friend and they excluded me from the group. The memories keep coming back. When I see their posts on Facebook, I want to tell everyone that those are lies. My better sense says to ignore.
Andee of Brookspoint, Baguio City
Dear Andee,
Do not fill your heart with hate because you hurt yourself more, I say. We are what we think. You emit the same vibes when you allow these negative emotions to rule you. They show in your eyes. Your gait and your breathing become forceful. Nope, this is not the way to attract the best energies. It is as if you have forgotten the principles of physics that say for every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction. This is also karma.
Give good vibes,
Manang
