Wet House

An interesting article about a "wet house", a facility where homeless alcoholics reside and are permitted to drink as much alcohol as they want. Some say it's a humane and lower cost solution to support recidivist alcoholics, others think it's inhumane to give up on these people.

From Twin Cities...

Marion Hagerman appreciates your concern.

But it's OK to give up on him, he says. Everyone else has — which might be the only sensible thing to do.

Hagerman has been drinking for 39 years. He drinks despite decades of lectures, prayers and punishment. He drinks despite two years of homelessness, six DWI convictions, six treatments for alcoholism and 13 months in jail.

What's ahead for Hagerman? The 54-year-old can see only one thing in his future — more drinking.

That's why he feels lucky to live in a hospice for alcoholics — St. Anthony Residence in St. Paul. There, 60 men can — and often do — drink until they die.

There are no counselors, no scolding, no 12-step programs, no group hugs. Just the love of Hagerman's life, waiting for him every day — alcohol.