James was a 67 year old widower. His wife, Mary had died 11 months previously.
James had found it hard to come to terms with his loss. He felt sad and lonely. He missed his wife a great deal. He saw his children regularly, which he appreciated. But James sometimes felt that he was a burden to his children. He discouraged them from visiting very often.
As time passed, James felt more and more depressed. He didn't even feel like getting up in the morning anymore, or going out to the shops.
James started drinking more as well. He had always liked a glass or two of brandy after dinner, but this had gradually increased. He was now drinking slowly throughout the day.
His children and friends were concerned about James. They noticed the amount he was drinking. Whenever they saw him he seemed to be slightly drunk.
James knew that he needed to do something about his drinking, and the way he was living. His son suggested that he talk to a drug and alcohol agency, or that he phone Alcoholics Anonymous. James had seen the Alcoholics Anonymous number in the local information booklet. He decided to telephone them.
When he spoke to someone about his drinking, and how he was feeling. James began to feel a little better. He found talking about how he felt regarding the loss of his wife really helped him. He found that going to AA helped him to understand why he had been drinking as well. James was able to stop drinking and, although he still missed his wife terribly, he was able to begin to go out to see his friends again.