Joseph was 36 years old when alcohol made him a dropout from society. He was a graduate of a prestigious university, a recognized expert in computer science, and taught at a technical college for about ten years. Because of his drinking, he lost his job and his marriage fell apart. His family recounts the time he spent in a mental hospital, but the help he received there was not enough to overcome the habit.
Alcohol dependence is part of his family history, Joseph said. His father, the president of a college, had to leave because of drink. Joseph was dependent on drink from his college days. Even when he was a professor at the technical school, he would, during a lecture, take time out to drink. And there were many times during his ten years of teaching when he did not show up for his lectures, and often was in and out of hospitals seeking treatment. In one year, he was admitted to a hospital 23 times.
Pride he considers his biggest problem. He thought he could control his drinking, and for a year or two he was able to go without drinking but would eventually succumb to the habit. He even took courses in order to conquer the habit, acquiring in the process all the credentials necessary to be a therapist in pastoral counseling and drug abuse therapy. He did in fact, using these credentials, find work as a therapist in a counseling center and in hospitals. At the same time, at the end of the work day, he would go to a bar for a few drinks.
After hitting bottom in 2002, the day did come, with God's help, when he finally stopped drinking, and he hasn't had a drink since. He realized that it was beyond his power to conquer the habit. And with trust in God all changed. He started the 12-step program here in Incheon, and for those who can read Korean his 12-step program is now helping many to become sober: www.12step.or.kr
After hitting bottom in 2002, the day did come, with God's help, when he finally stopped drinking, and he hasn't had a drink since. He realized that it was beyond his power to conquer the habit. And with trust in God all changed. He started the 12-step program here in Incheon, and for those who can read Korean his 12-step program is now helping many to become sober: www.12step.or.kr
Joesph runs the center with the money he receives from lectures and from writing. More than 70 families are being helped at the center, and others are getting the necessary help, so they can help others in overcoming their dependence on drink. Joseph says he finds the greatest satisfaction in his work by knowing that he has helped a person break free of the same shackles that imprisoned him for so many years, returning him back to his family and to society.
