WASHINGTON (CNN) - President Bush reflected on his own struggle with alcohol in a White House meeting today to tout gains in the war on drug abuse.
CNN was the only media outlet invited to attend the entire meeting, which other reporters joined in the final minutes for remarks from the president.
Several in the room, including Don Coyhis of Colorado Springs, Colorado who runs a program targeting Native Americans battling substance abuse, were recovered addicts or alcoholics.
Bush, who quit drinking at the age of 40, was impressed.
"Congratulations on thirty years of sobriety," the president told Coyhis. "I'm eight years behind you."
The president told the group of fourteen, all leaders in drug prevention, treatment and interdiction programs around the country, that a new study shows teen drug abuse has dropped 25 percent since he took office in 2001.
"No question there's still work to do in America, but we are making progress," said Mr. Bush.
But the study by the University of Michigan cautioned that progress could be threatened by a drop in the percentage of young people who think marijuana is harmful. And it found a high percentage of teens are abusing prescription drugs – with nearly 10 percent of seniors reporting using Vicodin over the last year, nearly 5 percent abusing Oxycontin.
Bush listened to participants' stories and shared some candid moments.
Professional baseball player Josh Hamilton, who once suffered from a debilitating drug addiction, talked about seeking help from eight different treatment centers. "They didn't work for me," he said.
It wasn't until his grandmother confronted him while he was high on drugs that something clicked.
"That moment cleared my mind, opened my heart, and that following night I committed my life to Christ," said Hamilton.
President Bush praised the effectiveness of the programs represented, most private and faith-based.
"I'm a faith-based guy," explained Mr. Bush. "Sometimes to help change a person's behavior, you have to change their heart. Government's not really good at that."
Former New Orleans District Attorney Harry Connick Sr. talked about why he was motivated to launch a student drug testing program that has now spread to 20 city high schools.
Over his nearly 30-year-career, Connick said, "I sent a lot of people to the penitentiary. But at one point I thought, this is not enough."
The father of singer Harry Connick Jr. maintained the best way to reduce demand for drugs is to test high school students.
Dr. Katie McQueen advocated more careful screening of patients for substance abuse by hospitals and doctors.
"Of the millions of people who need help, most don't get it because they don't think they need it.," explained McQueen.
When McQueen announced her Houston program was based in "the great state of Texas," President Bush interrupted with a broad smile, "I'll be home in about – but who's counting – 39 days."
Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, discussed research that shows that 50 percent of a person's vulnerability to drug addiction is genetic.
President Bush asked whether the same was true of alcohol abuse.
"There's clearly a genetic component," responded Volkow. "That's why prevention is so important."
Lt. Mike Boudreaux of the Tulare County Sheriff's Department described his battle to eradicate marijuana fields on California public lands.
"It's a daunting task," said Boudreaux of their efforts that often involve confronting dangerous Mexican drug dealers intent on protecting their hidden fields.
Boudreaux added that his mother said to tell President Bush she prays for him.
"One of the most striking aspects of being president is the power of prayer in my life. I feel it," said Mr. Bush. "Some days are happy. Some days are not so happy. But every day is joyous."
From CNN Politics
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The only reason he stopped is because Laura threatened to leave him. This is not a man of great character.
Congrats to President Bush...Keep strong.
Good for Bush. Never knew that about him.
I don't believe him. He had to be on something these past 8 years.
Governments DO change people's hearts, King George. I'm very bitter and angry now because of your Administration selling this country to the lowest bidders and lining your own pockets at the cost to all of us.
I don't know.......... the way he has run this country I think he still sips on a little something from time to time, especially when he gets to talking that crazy talk!
Isn't Bush 8 years behind everybody?
If Bush is an example of sobriety, I wish to speak up for all the drunks. Cheers.
Drunk with power?
Because of George Bush's running of this country for the past 8 years, there are now a lot more people struggling with alcohol.
Way to go George!!!
Does he struggle with his desire to wage war and the killing of innocent people?
now if he was still drinking, that would explain a lot of things.
Don't sweat it.... it's a prior it seems for all new Presidents... Obama's admited Cocain, Booze and Weed habbits didn't hurt him any either.
great story. didn't the president recently imbibe though, on his trip to peru? thought there was a picture of him having a pisco sour with a foreign dignitary. well whatever, sobriety is a great thing one way or the other!
Surprised you didn't have liver failure.
Let the liberal hate spewing begin....
President Bush, when he claims he's "the decider" sounds like a child refusing to eat his peas at the dinner table. That's what an alcoholic sounds like. He may be sober, but I don't trust he's recovered. Another example is his "regret" about the Iraq war, saying if it just wasn't for that "bad" CIA intelligence. No acceptance of responsibility for what he did. That's an alcoholic.
Better to admit to alcohol, the more dehabilitating and pervasive drug, than something as benign and mentally healthy, such as cannabis. This citizenry has a long way to go before they finally understand.
Sometimes alochol can be preceived as "bottled poetry."
Congratulations on 22 years...I have 30 going on 31 years on Valentine's Day 2009. I wish more people could experience the joy of sobriety.
He was a better and safer man ...when drunk!!! ...
What's his excuse now!!
...Only....Stupidity!!
The White House reporters have know for a long time that President Bush has not been a teetotaler. When will these stories come out? When they are attached to a book deal?
It's called wet brain syndrome. Look it up!!!
George, drunk or not, you are a worthless human being. Go away, skunk!
He is a nut job!
He's be back on the sauce in a few years when he realizes what his legacy will be.
I haven't always agreed with what Bush has said and done during his administration; however, overcoming an addiction is something that should be praised and not ridiculed. A sign of a moral and good man is one who can recognize a problem and have the will power to correct it.
He'll be back on the sauce in a few years when he realizes what his legacy will be.
Bush also snorted cocaine, and at that time in his life, weed had to play a part also. Maybe he forgot.
Drinking doesn't bother me. It's when he sent our troops in harms way for no good reason, disregarded the constitution and screwed our civil liberties that offended me.
He may not have had any booze in several years, but he's clearly not in recovery from it; drinking O'Doul's is not being in recovery from alcohol.
He's been white-knuckling it, and the country and world has paid the price.
All his talk about God and addiction; what piece of crap to be feeding us.
I didn't think he had the brains to know what alcohol is let alone be addicted to it.
Yeah right hes sober . . . only a drunk guy would screw so many things up.
Oh and the reason so many people are not doing drugs, is because now, thanks to Bush, no one has money!!
Just going "cold turkey" isn't enough. The erratic and compulsive nature of alcoholism merely spills out into other aspects of life. For example, if causes one to act as if they know, when they clearly do not.
Thanks for taking the nation on a dry drunk with you, Cowboy.
Bush Spent the whole 8 years of his term Drunk and high the man is still a drunk just look at the pathetic sob!
That would be great, except for the fact that he still drinks! He may not get drunk, but he still drinks wine (at the very least) during events. A real recovering alchoholic would tell you that ANY amount of alchohol is a no-no.
Being an alcoholic doesn't make you a bad person. If I were president and had to deal with the world in its current state I would definitely drink....It's a tough job.
I'll drink to that!! just kiddin'!
8 years?
Just search on youtube for BUSH DRUNK WEDDING and yet, more lies......
He's had the rest of us downing them for the past 8 years!
As long as we allow 'drug' companies to market drugs to kids and adults in every commercial break on televising in an effort to 'increase' drug use, the situation will only get worse. It's the same as cigarette companies running anti smoking ads, but adding more nicotine to cigarettes to keep folks addicted. So who is fooling who?
I really wonder how truthful he is about being sober for so long. He sometimes looks lit-up.
So alcohol doesn't explain his choices?
President Bush is a great man and a man who has done everything in his power to keep America safe, make America better, and stronger. I am sad that he will have to leave office and that we are getting a smoke and mirrors president, but we have to make do with what we have, not what we want. I believe that history as well as America will vindicate President Bush very soon. Thank you President Bush and God Bless you!
Judging from the way he "ran" this country for the past 8 years and by the fact that he was on vacation in Crawford or at Camp David roughly 25% of the time, it would seem Bush only SAID he quit drinking at age 40!
I wish you well, Mr. Bush.
I am proud of Mr. Bush and him being so forthcoming about his addiction. This is what AA supports, and it is good for all of us to hear that even the most important people in the world struggle with some form of addiction or another. God bless and keep Mr. and Mrs. Bush!
President Bush is a great man and a man who has done everything in his power to keep America safe, make America better, and stronger. I am sad that he will have to leave office and that we are getting a smoke and mirrors president, but we have to make do with what we have, not what we want. I believe that history as well as America will vindicate President Bush very soon. Thank you President Bush and God Bless you!
You want to fool me that that man gave up on Alcohool? You've got to be kidding.
At least Obama was honnest to admit he has fall off the wagon of smocking sometimes.
Bush is the most dishonnest, worst and dangerous president in the american history.
Good man!
Drugs are cheaper, more widely available and more widely used thanks to the war on drugs.
While the numbers of teens using drugs has dropped, ever so slightly, the numbers of teens using alcohol abusively has increased, including dangerous bouts of binge drinking. The drugs that teens are using, when they use are more deadly. The percentage of teens who die related to drug and alcohol use has increased. They didn't put those numbers in there, unfortunately. We need to work to improve access to treatment, which is effective and has improved over the years.
I hate the guy as much as anybody, but give him a break. 22 years sober is a great accomplishment. Kudos to him for recognizing those who help fight and prevent addiction every day.
I'm no fan of Bush, and I can't wait for him to be gone so that we can get to work fixing this country. That being said, as a fellow recovering alcoholic, I congratulate him for his 22 years of sobriety. One thing we need to do in this country is to stop using past or even present addictions as an excuse to mock people. It really isn't a joking matter.
People Like Ken and It's Addictive are representative the ignorant "Butts"
(not my first choice of words) that respond to this Ticker. Cheap seat stone throwers.
"One of the most striking aspects of being president is the power of prayer in my life. I feel it," said Mr. Bush. "Some days are happy. Some days are not so happy. But every day is joyous."
Every day he's been president has NOT been joyous! I've prayed every day for the past 8 years to see this man leave the office given to him.
Substance abuse is a lot more complex than what meets the eyes. It is really important to recognize efforts made by people in the throes of those kinds of struggle. At the same time, those of us who don't face those struggles need to work on how we accept those who do. Let's remember that "one day at a time" goes both ways!
it was lik watching the Matrix, where Agent Smith had NINE lives and just wouldn't die
President or not as a human being I admire his courage and willingness to confront his drinking problem.
I may not be able to identify with his politics but I can identify with his struggle and congratulate him on his sobriety.
Great story.
Senate Candidate 13 – Just because you type something doesn't make it true. Obama never admitted cocain use, or booze. You sound like the typical blog lurch that thinks they can create a fact out of an uninformed opinion.
Please. He still drinks...
Thank you, CNN, for finally publishing something endearing of the President. And thank you for mentioning Christ in a positive context.
A dry drunk!
Term generally used to describe someone who has stopped drinking, but still demonstrates the same alcoholic behaviors and attitudes.
Welcome to the "Poor Me Club".
Nothing Bush says or does in the waning days of his presidency will rehabilitate what has been a dismall eight years for our country.
I actually have to admit...Mr. Bush came off quite well in that report, his conversation didn't come off like most of his presidency has...FOOLISH.
I Congratulate you on your successful streak of sobriety as well George!
Bush should reflect on his last eight years in office and his struggle with reality.
Enough of this guy. Please just let him go away so we can start to put this 8 year nightmare behind us like he put his drinking behind him.
I think the booze warped his mind. Perhaps he was afraid Sadam was out to get him. Just a thought.....
Bush did great things for AIDS.....and he is doing the same for alcohol abuse
he is a great President and role model!
these are the persons that make a difference...
not Clinton with his intern abuse
BTW: W still can not tell a joke. He doesnt' understand that the "punch" goes last in the sentence.
Here's what I mean...
President Bush interrupted with a broad smile, "I'll be home in about – but who's counting – 39 days."
Yeah, and he cannot remember how much coccaine he did when he was younger. He is so stupid he wouldn't even know what sober is!!
cocaine is illegal! big difference
wwwhhhaaatt are you trying to tell me Bush hasn't been drunk for the last 8 yrs. I'd like to blame all his bad decisions on booze!!!
I don't think he ever really stopped drinking to the point that it could be a problem. If I'm wrong, then he is really a foolish man that doesn't seem to have any interest in learning or conveys that either. That is a problem in America; leaders failing to show what a good example is and continue to learn.
Bush has driven the rest of America to drink ...at least we don't have Prohibition during this economic disaster.
At least he was honest. Got to give him that.
Only 5% success rate for faith-based programs over a 3 year period by some studies.
"President Bush praised the effectiveness of the programs represented, most private and faith-based.
"I'm a faith-based guy," explained Mr. Bush. "Sometimes to help change a person's behavior, you have to change their heart. Government's not really good at that."
These programs are not effective for everyone and most people how need help don't seek it, not because they don't feel they need it, it's because the "higher power" may not be as real (or exist) at all. Being told you must believe to quit is no different than telling you must believe to be saved from Hell. Mind control and power.
CNN, why are you not reporting on the scumbags recent decision to relax protections of endangered species?
He tasted alcohol, but never swallowed it.
Well, he's had to live with that his whole life, I mean, every time he opens his mouth, he makes ME want to drink. Just imagine if you were him!
Am I the only one who sees the high correlation of addicts needing a rigid spiritual structure?
That's fine, but people of such fragile needs should not be world leaders. One's demons must be overcome and reliance on black-and-white religious structures should be behind them.
We need adults in the White House.
Just a quick point – you referred to some of the folks at the meeting as "recovered" addicts/alcoholics. I think "recovering" is the appropriate term. If I were "recovered" then I could go out and have a beer or two and then stop, but that's not how it works.
Just throwing that out there.
But if most of that group had battled alcohol, then the "War on Drugs" campaign started by Regan never has and still does not address that issue...so wasn't their meeting proven to be a bit useless? I mean, didn't I recently read a report saying that the war on drugs campaign has been pretty ineffective? I guess with 39 days left in office, the man still cannot find one positive accomplishment for a legacy of his time in office. He could not even stop his daughters from underage drinking while Governor of Texas and as President.
There's a big difference between being an addict (until you're 40 years old), and experimenting with drugs in your teens/20s. Additionally, there's a difference between using and abusing.
Marijuana is not harmless, but it's nowhere near as destructive as the legal drugs, alcohol an nicotine. If you've ever watched shows about addiction, you'll notice that NO ONE is ever being treated for marijuana abuse.
Oh and by the way, the faith-based route works for some, but not for everyone.
Religion is only one answer, not the only answer. Those who believe otherwise don't understand the question or the answer.
Can someone please explain the president's last three sentences? I'm sure it's profound but somehow I don't quite get it. Can a day be joyous without being happy? Maybe he meant to say "a gift." Yeah, that must be it...
And how many people has he driven to drink due to his Incompetence over the last 8 years?
He wil be rightly regarded as one of the worst presidents EVER.
I'm drunk with power!
I would never be able to tell that this guy has been sober. Didn't seem to help his judgments much.
I'm an unabashed liberal who voted for the President-Elect. I have agreed with very little President Bush has done or stoof for. But why does he seem so human now? I wish he had been this man at the beginning. To be public about such a private matter takes guts. I respect that, Mr. President.
Yeah but what about the coke? Scott McClellan slammed Bush in his book about playing dumb about the cocaine allegations. He needs to tell the full story and quit hiding from the truth.
Sorry, but all you need is one look at the video of Bush at the G8 summit to know what a lie his "sobriety" is. He is shown clearly pouring a beer, putting the bottle down and drinking it. The bottle is easy to identify as a Heineken. Just one more Bush lie to add to the long list.
To Senate Cadidate 13,
You said:
"Obama's admited Cocain, Booze and Weed habbits didn't hurt him any either."
True, but Obama did that in High School just like Laura Bush committed manslaughter in High School.
Bush was an alcoholic at the age of 40. I guess many Bush supporters felt being an alcoholic as an middle aged adult was just part of his well rounded qualifications to become governor and president. I'll certainly admit that experience really manifested itself the last 8 years.
This is another who care's story by that those ace reporters over at CNN.
Where is Walter and Roger Mudd when we need them.
Gosh he reminds me of that alien ALF....
God bless you Sir. Folks, if you only knew how serious this is you would not be so critical.
Wether you like or dislike President Bush, it takes a strong person to talk about any past issues or abuse, and 22 years sober is something to be proud of!
now that does explain a lot of things....oh brother!
It's funny niether Bush or CNN mentioned his habitual cocain use during the same time period he had a alcohol problem.
That could have been a virgin pisco sour, jobu. Either way, it must have been tough for Bush to attend all those presidential and other dignitary dinners with the free-flowing alcohol. Regardless of what he did or didn't do for our country during those eight years, he was able to not take a drink.
If ever there was an explanation for the crisis we're knee deep in, it's the endless and blatant self interest of our current president.
While the rest of the country is worried about job, home, and more President Bush is worried only about his legacy.
This man TRULY CAN'T LEAVE FAST ENOUGH.
Watching W on the news makes me wonder just how long he's been on the wagon... His face has the look of alcohol, his emotional outbursts are the actions of alcohol and his sometimes boldness and other times standoffisness is actions of alcohol. Could it be W has been drivin to drink again by the pressures of the White House? Or perhaps he never stopped.... It's all about keeping up appearances isn't it Mr Bush?
I know he did not go there he know he lying we already knew he ws drinking
explains a lot
It's addictive – "Drunk with power?"
You mean Cheney, right? Bush is just a "yes" man.
let me guess he was drunk the whole time he was president
Sobriety is not easy for some to acheive. Kudo's Mr. President.
What about that whole peanut fiasco where he ended up getting a bruise on his forehead. That seemed a little suspect to me.
If he isn't still drinking, I've never seen a finer example of a dry drunk.
He was a better and safer man …when drunk!!! …
What's his excuse now!!
…You got it….Stupidity!!
President Bush, I am so very proud of you for all the things you have done for our country even when so many put you down. I appreciate you and First Lady Laura Bush so much. You all feel part of my family. Families help and support those they care about even if at time they do not agree but nevertheless remain true. I appreciate how you have stood up to adversity and the pressure to fall in with what the world wants insead of what you feel is best. One thing differet with me is that I doi believe the the Bible is the unfalible Word of God. He said in the beginning was the Word and the Word was God and God was with us. He spoke and the world was created, He spoke and the earth was formed, He spoke and man was created, he spoke and His Son was born. He is , He was, He is I AM. He is the Word.
Unfortunately, he's driven a lot of us to drink.
I have wondered throughout W's tenure as to HOW he sobered up. I've read the accounts of how he was given the ultimatum on the morning after his 40th (by Laura). Did he ever formally receive help? As the survivor of an alcoholic, I wonder...
Does this man ever tell the truth?
sobriety is relative.
Senate Candidate 13: Whatever makes you think Bush drew the line at legal intoxicants?
While I commend people for overcoming problems with alcohol, I feel VERY stronly that someone who hasn't figured it out until the time they are forty years old does not have the mental and emotional capacity to be president of any country.
you people need to take this stuff seriously.......Ef all of you a holes.
Now if only Obama could quit smoking. That is a really nasty habit and we don't need for our kids coming to us and saying, "Well if the president can smoke, so can I!" I dread hearing that.
It is always great to hear of an addiction brought under control. God is able and willing to help those who ask. Cocaine addiction is the hardest to stop and the easiset to gfall back into under stress. I pray Obama leans on God to help him in times of stress he definetly will come under. It is left up to us "We The People" tp pray for him and help him in times of great stress.
I was almost relieved... would have accepted his excuse of being drunk while in office. I guess we just have to wait to see what his excuse is. There must be an explanation for his actions... maybe it will come out one day!
Right, why believe this most recent LIE by GW Bush? What a joke!
What about his struggle with reality all these years???
The Governor of Washington D.C. needs help finding his soul and reflecting on his meaningless life.
Senate Candidate 13, you are in error. President-elect Obama used drugs and alochol in high school and part of college, by his own admission. That's a far cry from Bush giving up alcohol after years of alcohol abuse, culminating on the morning after he turned 40, when he finally gave it up.
Seriously? Look at the crossed eyes in his picture. Read the caption. He's drinking again, folks.
So now is Bush going to bust out with "The Devil made me start that war!"?
Given the level of veracity of this administration, isn't it a stretch to believe him in this little thing of imbibing?
This is a insult to alcoholics!!!!
He took a nation down to a 3rd world country with nukes, while being sober? C'mon....
How harmful is marijuana really? Drinking does more harm. Maybe he should let people know that
Glad he can stay sober; he almost drove all the rest of us to drink!
Finally – something we can admire about Mr. Bush: admitting the problem, and praising sobriety. Thank you.
Bring on the hate, lefties.
Can the Liberals please stop bashing the outgoing president. He is leaving be happy and shut up! This is a good story and the snide comments are getting old.
Four comments, two by idiots. Anyone who chooses sobriety and is successful should be congratulated. It is not always an easy road and
many people don't stick with it because there is not instant gratification. My hat is off to him. Been there.
Looking for a little sympathy there?
Too bad he wasn't more honest and forthright sooner...people may have been able to better understand his learning disability and pompous behavior...both of which often go along with the alcoholic persona!
I, sure would not want my President to be drinking on the job, though it necessarily does not matter for him since he was a delegator. Perhaps, its his oversite skills that could have been sharper. Let's see what he does with the next phase of his life, drink his problems away or rewrite history.
I, sure would not want my President to be drinking on the job, though it necessarily does not matter for him since he was a delegator. Perhaps, its his oversite skills that could have been sharper. Let's see what he does with the next phase of his life, drink his problems away or rewrite history.
I wish the media had discussed thoroughly his medical and mental condition and his history of alcohol abuse before the 2000 election. Peter Jennings was the only journalist who did to my memory, in his documentary on the two candidates. We might have avoided living the nightmare of a drug addicts' erratic and blinkered and disastrous decisions. I should add I didn't hear any 'reflection', other then he simply made a very mild quip. Like most addicts, reformed or otherwise, he was very adept at getting what he wanted – however destructive what he wanted would prove to be. By February I have great hopes that his name will not appear in print again unless it's as the defendant in legal actions brought by those harmed so badly by his actions in office.
I saw the pictures of Bush at the Olympics. Please do not try and insult us with the thought he might have been sober. You can look the pictures up on internet on You Tube. There is one of him with a beer in his hand checking out the behind of our volleyball player, one of him falling down and several SS agents picking him up and the best of all, holding the US flag backwards. Please Bush...you can't be honest about anything.
Check it out and see for yourself! I just searched Bush at the Olympics.
Is he looking for sympathy? Or giving an excuse for these past 8 yrs?
I commend the president on his sobriety even if I don't agree with his decisions on running the nation.
But I'm sure there will be alot of idiots posting here that will make fun of alcoholism just to attack Bush.
I hate to nitpick a story with many positives, but is reducing demand really best done by simply testing students to see if they're using drugs? That technique alone is at best a way to measure the problem; it's hardly a solution.
We aren't told how these tests are administered and what the follow up is for positive results, but I would bet that the HS testing program simply instills fear. Driving drug use further underground isn't going to bring the problem to light where it can be most effectively solved. Where is the counseling for troubled teens? How about school-sponsored activities to appeal to diverse interests? Why not foster a nurturing environment, rather than ostracize children at risk by administering a simple test?
"Bush reflects on struggle with alcohol"
His struggle is chosing between Red or White wine.........
And he gave up golf since the troops were deployed – NOT!
Dude – just go away.....
I think he is still an alcoholic. He should join AA.
Why is his face covered with gin blossoms?
Still sneakin' the old jug into the Oval Office, eh Georgie?
Heh heh..........
we all struggle with a lof of things.........no one is perfect. Iraq was a bad idea though.
Is it January 20 2009 yet?
Whatever. I like my wine and champagne.
I promise you, Bush - everyone is counting the days until you leave the White House.
Gw makes the case for mandatory drug and alchohol testing in the oval office.
At least if he was still getting drunk we could explain his actions over the past eight years.
It's too bad Bush kicked his drinking habit. If he hadn't, he would never have become president and life in the U.S. might be very different (much better) today.
Ironically – That man makes me WANT to drink heavily
I would not doubt if George Bush had a "slip" or two in the White House, but I should take him on his word, right? He's not been exactly straight-forward with the American people about more important topics, like WMD's in Iraq. This Bud's for you, Mr. President!
"Beer is proof God loves us and wants us to be happy"
–Benjamin Franklin
It would be an absolute disaster if we started drug testing high school kids. The moment we do that, kids will just move to much more dangerous prescription drugs and alcohol that don't show up on drug tests. If you don't believe me, look at any kid in college who failed a drug test.
So when Bush gave up booze and cocaine, did he stop indulging, or just substitute a new drug (power) for the old ones?
Bush is a fraud. There were many whispers coming out of the White House that he was drinking again. Our country sure seems to have been run by a drunkard, so maybe the buzz is true.
If he was still drinking, he would be much better..
It's nice to hear him be so down to earth. Aside from the differences, he is human and people battle different things.
At least Obama can spell "cocaine" and "habits."
Bush may have conquered alcoholism but his downfall was hubris. Unfortunately this country and the world suffered a heavy price for that failure.
Idiot has driven us all to drink!
1/20 will be the day to toast the end of this jerks reign!!!!
Not a knee-jerk reflex cheap shot at Bush, but I think he's drinking again. Look at his eyes in the picture accompanying this story, and the caption. Not that I blame him; in his place I'd jump off a bridge.
"Some days are happy. Some days are not so happy. But every day is joyous" Indeed, sometimes Bush is stupid. Other times Bush is not stupid. But Bush is always dumb.
That explains some things.
Thanks for the non-story CNN!
Mr.Bush will end up in history as one the best Presidents this country had. People don't see it now with so much stuff going on.....but with peace and democracy around the corner in the Middle Easy...(where 98% of people here didn't think would or could happen) I say.."Great job G.W. Bush!
Campbell Brown, lay off PE Obama and start asking Bush some questions! It is so apparent that you are vengeful Republican. It is pretty disgusting that you have been given a platform to attack PE Obama
Bush has been caught drinking on several occasions. Anyone surprised he's less than honest? He should put down the bottle and pick up the spliff. It would help neutralize his aggression.
This man has acted drunk for the last eight years!! What a loser.
I thought Mr. Bush had way more that just 8 years of sobriety. So that means he didn't stop until he was president....if he stopped at all.
He may not be the greatest President we've ever had but his heart in the right place. There are numerous stories of his kindness and understanding with families of soilders wounded and killed in Iraq.
Iraq isn't a popular war but the US military does it job every single day and President Bush is a respected Commander and Chief.
I was active duty (retired Air Force) during the Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Bush years......the worst years of my career were when Clinton was in office...........I hope Obama does more than support the military.....I hope he takes his responsiblity to the troops to heart like President Bush did for 8 years!!!
People who respond to these need to leave the politicking at home. You don't have to like him, but you have to respect the office of the President. President Bush changed his life for the better and I am so glad that he did, along with countless others. His reversal is encouragement to others. Thank you, Mr. President.
If this guy would have governed with the humility that he showed in this meeting, the country would have been a much better place to live in.
He looks drunk in that picture. I don't believe he quit. This would explain so much that has happened during his administration.
This is actually the one area I think people should not judge him. Many people in our society abuse different substances. I and only ONE of my friends have never smoked weed and we are late twenties. Many people, especially men abuse alcohol at some point in their lives. To the person saying it seems prior for Presidents, many people use substances and you should do your homework on that. Let's hold people to high standards but not the standards of God for goodness sakes. Also, let's make sure we LIVE by the same standards that we want others to live by.
Since you're leaving the White House, drink up all you can while you can because alcohol is not permitted in PRISON.
Who cares.. He's human
Did he forget to mention the cocaine or did he think we forgot?
Democratic mockery of a recovery success story starts in 3..2..1..
This proves that CNN is the best and most fair news show on television.
Kudos to CNN!
I bet Fox News is crying and whining and scratching their heads in wonderment that they were not invited – after all, they have been his own personal news station for 8 years.
Again, congrats to CNN. I never miss The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Jack Cafferty...they are the best of the best. They are also the most fair with our incoming president, Barack Obama, and I hope they continue to treat him fairly (no other channel does).
No doubt all the Bush haters will come out of the woodwork (see "It's addictive" earlier post) and find something to criticize even in this innocuous story. Wonder what these clowns will do for entertainment next year? Can't pick on the Untouchable One.
He obviously burned up all of his brain cells a long time ago.
So our president is an admitted alcoholic or did I misinterpret his statement?
once a lush, always a lush.... what a loser
He deserves a drink!
From his actions and statements, one would think that he still has a bottle stashed in a desk drawer of the oval office and one hidden under the bed in his bedroom.
Can we do a story on Obama's drug use please?
I can not believe Bush made all those terrible decsions sober..... say it ain't so Joe.... <== Wrong repug right? Well any hoot I still think he was drunk when he said "Mission Accomplish" ...
Now the rest of us need a drink!
Maybe a smaller percentage of youth think that marijuana is harmful because the truth is getting out. Marijuana is less harmful than alcohol in every regard.
If the government were smart they would federally legalize the stuff and tax the hell out of it as a way to help pay for all these bailouts / stimulus programs.
never trust a junkie
I thought the "Bush" could do no wrong. As a matter of fact, I thought the "Bush" would never admit to any wrong.
"There's two sides to every schwartz"
Once a drunk... always a drunk.
It just goes to show you... even the keg-man in your fraternity can become President of the United States. Dubya is a shining example of what keg-men all over the country can aspire to.
It's too bad our nation and our soldiers had to pay the price for his aspirations....
Is that the same "War On Drugs" that has cost trillions of dollars and has made no difference other than to fill our prisons with crack users? Just checking.
I am not sure about drug abuse dropping. Most of the people I know have experimented with drugs, despite the education that we have teaching us that they are harmful. I have not and never have been tempted.
I like this idea of testing high school students. It's so sad that people get involved in these things when they have their whole lives ahead of them.
It would be nice if Hollywood and mainstream entertainment would not glamorize drug abuse, or portray it as humorous.
I smell a Saturday Night Live skit brewing as we speak...LOL!
Thanks GW, comedy will not be the same without you...
Dx
"I'll be home in about – but who's counting – 39 days."
I AM COUNTING GEORGE!! And im sure others are too.. haha
Dont get me wrong, George seems likea cool guy. Like my uncle or something, I'd have a beer with him and watch the game. But leader of the country? cmon man you belong at the sports bar HAHA
I wonder how much money is wasted and how many get hurt in Tulare County "eradicating" those dastardly marijuana fields? Don't they just grow back?
And while I have the soapbox, since when is the President (past, current, or elect) EVER called "Mr."? Methinks someone needs to go back to journalism school.
Now he wants us to believe he has a soul? Folks, we need to ensure that our feelings of hatred for Bush are represented in his presidential library. He has refused to use email just so that he could keep them out of his library. But a hand-written letter, even a typed and printed letter, will make it into his archive for future students and biographers to read. So take a few minutes to write how this man has brought our nation to ruin and then mail it – snail mail – to Chimpie Bush, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500
Didn't he get sloshed at the Olympics? There were a series of boozy photos of him from his time at the Games.
To me, he looked like a drunk man all his time in the white house.....
It would have served the nation well if everyone had been familiar with the "dry drunk" theory and the behaviour patterns of those it affects
I didnt like this statement from the baseball player, "That moment cleared my mind, opened my heart, and that following night I committed my life to Christ", because he just changed to a new drug of choice, religion. He still hasnt eradicated his addictive behaviors, he has just placed them somewhere else.
I'm glad the Geo. Bush is on the wagon – My alcohol consumption increased dramatically, however, during his presidency – except for some election night celebration I haven't had much since.
I doubt that Bush has been sober for eight minutes.
Jan 20, 2009 please get here.
Give the guy a break. Can't even an intimate moment such as this be shared with respect and dignity?
I have 12 years of no booze.....! Way to go Mr. President!
This matter is mute at this point, but i find it ironic that this matter was never discussed during his run for the presidency. We here in Texas remember the alcohol as well as "alleged" use of cocaine. Also mis mangement of funds during the "savings & loans" scandal that rocked Texas while he was the govener. Alcohol falls shy in comparison to the use of cocaine, and I'm sure that the documents to prove he was in rehab for drinking and cocaine use have been destroyed but here in Texas we remember it being public info while he "pretended" to be governer of this fine state. But again as always on the way out theres always a "I forgot to mention........." Fear sales, truth in this admin. was not the rule of thumb but i guess thats waht u get when u allow a family of gustapos to strong arm an election. Never again!!!!!!!!!!!!
@ It's addictive
Stop being such an idiot
@ Senate Candidate 13 : Drug and alcohol use are very different from drug and alcohol abuse.
that explains the loss of brain cells
raise your hands if you care...
Congrats to the President for remaining sober for 30 years. As the wife of a recovering alcaholic, let me tell you, that is no easy feat.
As for Senate Candidate 13, Obama was never an addict, but was corageous enough to admit to marajuana use and drinking for a very short period of time. Alcaholism and drug addiction are no laughing matter and should not be thrown around so carelessly. Please educate yourself before speaking next time. President Bush can probably help you form a better understanding.
I think it's stupid that people feel the need to reach out to Jesus Christ Personal Savior to recover from alcoholism. It's all in your mind, people. Jesus Christ isn't an alcohol counselor.
What difference does it make? This Clown's decision making abilities could not have been worse if he had continued drinking.
Just a couple weeks ago there were images of Bush drinking "Pisco Sour"; a peruvian liquor, with Peruvian dignitaries.
At least if he claimed to be drinking he'd have some excuse for the complete failure of his administration and all the crooked, treasonous stunts he has pulled over the last 8 years.
He must be off the wagon and hiding his drinking ... nobody could be so incompetent otherwise.
I don't care for Bush's policies, but I applaud his long-term sobriety. We need to acknowledge alcoholism for the devastating disease it is and make treatment, even repeated treatment, a priority. Unfortunately, decent rehabilitation programs are costly. I don't know too many people who can afford $20,000-$30,000 a month to get clean, and I don't know of any HMOs that pay for in-patient rehab. The people who need it most are often without resources. Perhaps this is the modern way of implementing "survival of the fittest," with "the fittest" being "the richest."
I saw pictures of him at the Olympics and he appeared to be wasted in them.
Sobering...but true...after 6 years of top-drawer rehabs and treatments centers and state-of-the-art medical help, our adult child is still deep in the cycle of addiction, ready to lose hope...I am not very religious, but I am spiritual and I think that the simplest truth is to humble oneself and ask God for help in battling these demons.
I wonder if he struggles with his conscience.
May that's what damaged his brain?
Wow, Governor Bush is trying to come clean. Admitting problems with Iraq, admitting he was part the great GOP downfall, and now he's talking about his past drinking problem.
We have suffered for so long....just a few more weeks...just a few more weeks!!!
TOO LATE GEORGE, YOUR BRAIN'S ALREADY FRIED.
Drunk with stupidity
Bush did cociane when he was young. I'm just amazed we let an alcoholic in the White House. His brain cells are damaged..look at what he has done in the past 8 years while in the White house. Marijuana is not harmful. It is a natural plant that should be regulated and taxed, like alcohol. I smoked it just about everyday and I can quit cold turkey anytime just like I am doing right now.
You mean you made those decisions sober?
Wonder how many drinks he's sneaked in the White House..LOL
We all know that Laura smokes – maybe he sneaks a drink now and then.
Think I'd rather have a former drunk for President than a former crack head.
look up Bush drinking on youtube
Thinking about the past 8 years, maybe Bush should have had a drink or something once in a while.
There are pictures of President Bush drinking and drunk at the olympics. Which proves that he has no problem lying to the American people.
*The father of singer Harry Connick Jr. maintained the best way to reduce demand for drugs is to test high school students.*
wait? what?
8 years behind? when the press is leaking almost daily about his drunken binges that force Laura to abandon her White House suite for the mayflower hotel on a regular( and frequent) basis?She has an account there for heavens sake! But I suppose like most alcoholics, he is delusional, and does not realize the damage he causes to everyone including the nation. I think we should all be careful in the future to never vote for the "beer-drinking buddy" ever again. We cannot afford more wars, depressions and decay of our rights while he pats himself on the back and thinks he's fooling us all. What a drunken delusional idiot! Thank heavens he is on his way out.
Now that he's finally leaving, maybe I can quit drinking too.
Good riddance!
Great...Now most of the country is drinking (drowning their sorrows) because of the current state we are in..
The difference in Obama's case is that he admitted to experimenting with drugs as a teen. He didn't shrink or lie about it. Which is why he has so much respect from the younger generation...he admittedly believes it wasn't wise but can admit that he did try it and decided to not do it anymore.
Versus, trying it. Having a serious problem that caused your loved ones to confront you....then fall off the wagon some 40 years later but lie to everyone that you didn't start drinking again.
Unfortunately, with the failed economy under his watch, he's driven half of America to drinking.
dude he still drinks. who's he kidding. especially at the olympics
Now I understand.No wonder I got laid off.
WHAT???? he does not drink anymore? lol....
On a different note, I have really started liking the man. I never really disliked him – though I know he made terrible decisions and brought so much damage to our beloved country but I didn't hate him because I thought he was a good man at heart. His problem was that he got two very evil people in his administration, Cheney and Rumsfeld destroyed him, his legacy or lack thereof.
I think President Bush is a good man at heart.
Of course he has slipped off the wagon d a few times during his 8 disasterous years as President (not mine, but THE president)
Even a border-line sociopath such as Bush lets some stuff creep into his psyche from time to time and alcohol is an easy "fix" to numb some pain. Probably not a really bad guy at heart but the worst President who ever lived and unfortunately we had to endure many years of his arrogance and ignorance. Have a beer George it;'s almost over, bubba.
How much money have we spent on the War on Drugs?
I'll drink to that !!!!
If the press were really doing their job, they would report that Bush is still drinking.
Geez, guys, come on. I despise President Bush's politics and what he's done to this country, but battling alcoholism is HARD. It shouldn't be the brunt of a joke. The fact that he came out about it, and appears to trying to stay sober is at least one thing to respect about the man...if nothing else.
Winning the battle on drugs? As a family physician in suburban new jersey, I can tell you nothing is further fromthe truth. We are not winning any battle on drugs, we are tying up the legal system with petty marijuana arrests. Meanwhile children are getting addicted to oxycontin and walking their way to heroin. Heroin is stopped instantly if we shut off Afghanistan. Oxycontin is stopped immediately if we shut down Purdue Frederick the only company who makes it and is owned by one family. We have an epidemic brewing in our suburban towns and are pretending we don't. We are wasting dollars on a bogus police program of stopping drugs that has done nothing except make policeman wealthy. Time to play more seriously and stop the nonsense. Not to mention everyone pocketing the money from the lawyers to the jail operators. Enough is enough.
Well, being addicted to alcohol or any drugs is horrible, so good for him, that he was able to stop it.
What gains in the war on drugs? Having the largest prison population in the world per capita is not a gain.
Gee, if only I could have been in an alcoholic haze the last 8 years . . . .
LET US ALL JUST PRAY FOR HIM!!!!
No one is perfect, you know.
Seems like we should've had the inauguration on Nov. 5th–Bush isn't doing much that's Presidential these days and Obama has had to step up and lead before even taking the oath of office.
I know he has struggled with stupidity.
The president sober? A DRY Drunk, is more like it!
Bush has clearly beaten a personal issue. These comments on here are degrading to the authors who cannot accept the good in Bush while rejecting the bad.
Now he's drunk with oil and war...i'd rather he be drunk on beer.
I don't believe you. There are pictures of you drinking alcohol recently. Liar. Resign so Obama can fix your mistakes already.
Obama4 me.....were you at the Olympics and actually saw President Bush drunk? If not, I wouldn't talk too much...I'm sure your neighbors, etc. could doctor up some pics of you too. My husband is a recovering alcoholic of 19 years and I'm proud of him. I don't know if Bush drinks or not and it's NONE OF OUR BUSINESS.
I'm curious... Didn't like my previous post?
President Bush, when he claims he's "the decider" sounds like a child refusing to eat his peas at the dinner table. That's what an alcoholic sounds like. He may be sober, but I don't trust he's recovered. Another example is his "regret" about the Iraq war, saying if it just wasn't for that "bad" CIA intelligence. No acceptance of responsibility for what he did. That's an alcoholic.
He's never sought real treatment as far as anyone knows – and he would have touted it if he had.
Oh, please. Replacing an addiction to substances with an addiction to religion is probably a move in the wrong direction. Borderline insane–voices in head–telling me what to do.
Is it over yet?
exactly, Joe the Troll. The war on drugs is a HUGE failure, and the fact that Bush has pushed funding nothing but faith-based rehabilitation is very indicative of why this administration has failed so miserably. addiction is a health issue, not a religious one!
No one is perfect, correct. Then again, holding the highest office in the Nation should suggest some level of honesty. I'm sure either being Candid and Forward with one's past or refusing to speak about it are better alternatives to outright lying.
congratulation to president Bush for 22 years of sobriety, alcohol is a disease.The scripture said " He without Sins cast the first stones"!!!!
Good for him to maintain his sobriety.
If only he used the tenets of AA in order to live a better life.
Give the guy a break! Have you never seen a "virgin" drink before? I am a recovering alcoholic and I always have a drink in my hand – it sure doesn't mean there is alcohol in it – BUT – it keeps idioits like you from asking "Why aren't you drinking?"
Totally AMAZING!!! When will he finally admit to his total cocaine abuse for ALL of his younger years???? This man had every dirty abusive record of him DELETED from his biography. DESTROYED!!! The power of the rich, high, almighty!!!! And maybe if he had been more honest his daughters would not have been so induced into their years of debauchery. Georgie is now trying to reach out to the PEOPLE to try to absolve him from his years of total destruction of our American values. He is trying to NOW save himself from his future historic incompetence resume. TOO LATE<Georgie!!! And in the future we all know you will try to be some major competitor for $$$$$ in the money-making years of your demise.
@ California Gold -Hear Hear!
Bush=Obama. Both were a crackhead for a very long time.
congrats mr. president you are truely some one who white Americas lovand cheris and who Bl;ack Americans Don't.
This guy is the American Hitler.
By the time he quit drinking at age 40 that dimwit had half of a brain. The other half was missing at birth.
This is crazy! i can't believe that America would vote this man to be our lead not once but twice! i think we are instore to learn a lot more of Bush's secrets in the furture...
Talk about an empty suit. Here is the person most responsible for ruining the USA, and the worlds economies. I'm elated that I never voted for this IDIOT..
to:peakarack
I think you should get your FACTS straight before calling anyone a crackhead!
So glad everyone could find Jesus in their quest to battle drugs.
Too bad they can't recognize that they are simply trading one addiction for another.
Sober up a drunken horse thief and you still have a horse thief
I don't support his policies, but I respect the man for giving up something such as Alcoholism.
Instead of alcohol, he found other ways of indulging. Just the other day we heard about the talking points being released on his "accomplishments," one of them being "maintaining honor and dignity in the White House." Nope, you didn't do that either.
Sobriety or not, this man has no honor.
For Jerrome Duncan:
What does a person's color of skin have to do with alcohol addiction ?
I happen to be a person of color and although George W. wasn't the
greatest of President's (and I'm sure many people think this across
all color lines) he is a decent man.
Bush may have quit drinking, but his presidency has caused me to drink more. Thanks Bush! I will see you in AA!
'Duhmerkins' like a great sob story...
...Bush'll NEVER be rehabilitated...
...until he's Saddam-ized for his crimes against humanity!
Confederates support him because they're too unsophisticated to know better...
Ok, that's enough of people trying to use this ridiculous notion of "Let those with out sin cast the first stone".
Here's a new rule that I am personally introducing into pop culture: "You don't get stupid fairy tale excuses if you are the leader of a nation! You must close to perfect to be a leader..... If you aren't...then bend over and take the stoning!"
Look at the photo – a sad clown, with eyes divided by a conflicted mind. If he was my brother-in-law I'd pity him. He's been the most powerful man in the world for eight years and caused incredible harm. He'll be fine – look at the destruction he wrecked on everything he touched. King Midas in reverse.
Hmmm, he got sober and got us into a pointless war that got thousands of American soldiers killed...Bush, I think a lot of things would have been better if you had just stayed drunk...
He probably would've done a better job if he was drinking during his 2 terms.
Bush is an idiot. I'm still a proud republican, are YOU?
Nice the way Bush characterizes himself as an alcoholic; I guess
it sounds better than calling himself a common drunk.
What a fool. How does Laura stand it- must be the oil money.
"When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading." —Henny Youngman
Well everyone needs a drink every now and then... As long as they dont get drunk in the white house!!!
"Sometimes the bible in the hand of a man is worse than a bottle of gin."
"To Kill A Mocking Bird."
I think that the world was safer when Bush was a drunk!
W, the least of your problems is alcohol. You are an imbecile with no principles, and for that there is no cure.
YOU SHOULD HAVE STAYED DRUNK !!!
YOU WOULD'VE DONE A BETTER JOB.
Now I guess we know what the problem is.... Alcohol Poisoning.
Bush is a stupid, idiot, moron, numbskull, alcoholic, coke head, liar, cheater, thief, sinner, full of corruption, communist.
BIG DEAL WITH 8 YEARS OF BUSH I STARTED TO DRINK
TOTAL honesty-that's Is what you get from Bush--He did like to party,back in the day.
Reflects on what? Last week, last night. He was caught on tape howling drunk just a few months ago. I don't believe he ever stopped.
The village idiot is still an alcholic and coke head that is why he spends so much time in Crawford away from the public Jim Hall Kansas City Missouri
I'm not convinced that he has quit drinking.
His irrational behavior and the "ignorant speak" he uses when talking are just 2 indications of a problem not yet resolved.
funny i have always been allergic to alcohol, and get no real high/buzz
from it. it must be very potent in terms of making someone feel good.
Alcohol abuse is a choice, much like abuse of power, food, cocaine or whatever. Depression and other personality disorders play a role, but do not take the choice out of it. Cancer is a disease. Drinking, eating or abusing anything are choices. The new rehab models will recognize this and will succeed far beyond the reported 5-10% success of 12-steps. That said, whatever works for the addict, just don't preach false-science of one way being the only way.
Hey I think that's how Bush got brain damaged. It all makes sense now.
Sure hs seniors use vicodin. Considering a large number of kids have their wisdom teeth removed in 12th grade. So bush was a former alcoholic. I think its a heroic thing to mention in such a meeting
What he SHOULD BE reflecting on are the 100,000's of murders of people that he's responsible for . . .