A higher power: Pres. Bush and alcoholism

"Addiction is hard to overcome. I drank too much at one time in my life," said President Bush on Tuesday to an audience at the Jericho program of the Episcopal Community Services of Maryland. Pres. Bush gave up alcohol at age 40, nine years after a conviction for driving while intoxicated.

"I understand faith-based programs. Sometimes you can find the inspiration from a higher power to solve an addiction problem," Pres. Bush added.

In his State of the Union address on Monday, Pres. Bush had asked Congress to guarantee permanent financing for religion-based groups. In Maryland, he used his personal story to make the case.

Advice to people who drink a lot: Religious faith, and a counselor in your faith, can help you overcome problems.

Browse for related stories in the index at the very bottom of this page, or read a kick-butt chaplain’s faith-based recovery story.

Thanks to Reuters for the source story in today's New York Times.