Dear Annie: Any learned habit âÂ such as drinking â can be unlearned

Dear Annie: Recently you printed a letter from a man whose wife has an alcohol problem.

I had a problem with drinking more than I should, but a year ago, I learned what alcohol was doing to my body and mind and quit. I believe drinking is a habit one learns. Which means one can unlearn it. I don’t know what this woman’s problems are, but there are other answers.

One thing that opened my mind was a book by William Porter, “Alcohol Explained.” I had never known these things before. It was a real eye-opener. I think this book would be helpful. — Been There

Dear Been There: Thanks for your suggestion. Any learned behavior can indeed be unlearned, though alcoholism is recognized as a disease, and there are many different treatment alternatives, as we know.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].