Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Middle of the Storm
Introduction
DEAR ABBY: I am a married man (15 years) with three children, and I am a recovering alcoholic. My marriage has been a roller coaster filled with lies, infidelity (my wife’s), abuse and drinking. I am in an outpatient alcohol program to save myself, my family and my marriage.
The Challenges
My wife is talking to other men. She communicates via text, on social media and in person, saying it’s non-sexual. She constantly tells me they are better than I am, that I’m a loser and I’ll get what I deserve (meaning losing her and the children).
The Desire for Change
I still want to save my marriage. I know I have been a poor husband due to the drinking, but that is changing. I keep trying to convince her to give me a little time to prove that I can be a brand-new, sober, honest man. She says it’s too late and that I pushed her into the arms of others. She says she no longer loves me and is going to divorce me. She evidently has hired an attorney.
The Impact on the Children
Our children beg her all the time to not divorce me, not to seek others and to let Dad show he is changing. I’m lost, angry, hurt and anxious. I want to save my family and somehow convince her that I’m better than the person she has seen. Is the trauma too much to overcome? — MIDDLE OF THE STORM
Advice for the Middle of the Storm
Acceptance and Self-Healing
DEAR MIDDLE: Although you may desperately want to save your marriage, for your own sake, it’s time to face facts. Your wife has an attorney, plans to leave the marriage and is seeing other people. She’s no longer interested in saving the marriage.
Focusing on Personal Growth
That you are in a program to help you overcome your addiction is laudable, but paramount now is that you do everything you can to heal yourself. It will make you a better father to your children if you are fully present. You may need professional counseling to help you through this painful period so you can map out a better future for you and the kids.
Legal Protection and Support
Talk to an attorney for reassurance that your wife cannot take them from you. You already have their love. They see you are trying to better yourself. Let nothing stand in the way of that.
About Dear Abby
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol | – Number of people enrolled in outpatient alcohol programs – Number of people recovering from alcohol addiction |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation | – Instances of abuse and violence against women |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | – Level of social inclusion and support for individuals recovering from addiction |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere | – Instances of domestic violence and abuse |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the protagonist’s struggle with alcohol addiction and his participation in an outpatient alcohol program. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
The article mentions the wife’s infidelity, abuse, and communication with other men. This highlights issues of violence against women and girls, which is addressed by SDG 5, aiming to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article touches upon the protagonist’s desire to change and be a better husband and father. This relates to SDG 10, which focuses on reducing inequalities and promoting social inclusion for all individuals, regardless of their status or circumstances.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article mentions instances of abuse and violence within the marriage. This connects to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
– Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
– Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
– Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
– Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
– Number of people enrolled in outpatient alcohol programs and number of people recovering from alcohol addiction can be used as indicators for Target 3.5.
– Instances of abuse and violence against women can be used as indicators for Target 5.2.
– Level of social inclusion and support for individuals recovering from addiction can be used as an indicator for Target 10.2.
– Instances of domestic violence and abuse can be used as an indicator for Target 16.1.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: oregonlive.com
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