I WOULD have thought, in this day and age, that everyone, including the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, would have known that there is no such thing as an 'ex-alcoholic.' (LET, August 6).

I am an alcoholic who hasn't had a drink for eight years, but I am certainly not an 'ex-alcoholic.' I have learnt through my own experiences and from attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings that I only need to pick up and drink one alcoholic drink and I will be back on the slippery slope. I have worked hard to obtain my eight years of sobriety.

I have a very happy life now, through the help of all the alcoholics who attend AA meetings, especially in Blackburn.

I can't describe the lengths that people who attend AA meetings will go to, to help the struggling alcoholic. The warmth and sincerity in these meetings is beyond belief.

If anyone reading this has a problem with drink, I urge them to take that first step and telephone AA.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my alcoholic friends who over the years have given me much-needed support. But for them, I honestly don't think I would be here now writing this letter.

NAME and address received.

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