Recovering Alcoholic Asks Patrons to Buy Her a Drink: What Would You Do?

April 14, 2011— -- In the News: Alcohol addiction is a widely recognized disease that affects millions of Americans. Recovering from alcoholism is a difficult battle that requires strict treatment and dedication. From high-profile celebrities, such as Lindsay Lohan, Robin Williams or Charlie Sheen, to your next door neighbor, alcoholism plays no favorites. Popular culture has made alcoholism and other addictions a new point of focus on television, with programs like "Intervention," "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew" and "HBO: Addiction," providing a forum for viewers to see an addict's struggles firsthand.

The Scenario: A group of friends enters a restaurant to celebrate the one-year anniversary of sobriety for their attractive female friend. What would you do if this recovering alcoholic was refused service by the bartender, then turned to ask you to buy her a drink? The friends, all "WWYD?" actors, make a big public showing of their celebration, letting everyone in earshot know that their friend is a recovering alcoholic. Knowing these facts, would the patrons of McQuade's Neighborhood Grill in Lynbrook, N.Y., say yes to her request? And would it make a difference if the recovering alcoholic was a man?

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