George W. Bush substance abuse controversy

Allegations of substance abuse arose during the political career of 43rd United States President George W. Bush, leading to controversy. Bush admitted to abusing alcohol until age 40. Bush has described his days before his religious conversion in his 40s as his "nomadic" period and "irresponsible youth" and admitted to drinking "too much" in those years. In Fortunate Son: George W. Bush and the Making of an American President by James Hatfield, B... more

Allegations of substance abuse arose during the political career of 43rd United States President George W. Bush, leading to controversy. Bush admitted to abusing alcohol until age 40. Bush has described his days before his religious conversion in his 40s as his "nomadic" period and "irresponsible youth" and admitted to drinking "too much" in those years. In Fortunate Son: George W. Bush and the Making of an American President by James Hatfield, Bush is quoted as saying that "alcohol began to compete with my energies ... I'd lose focus". Although Bush states that he was not an alcoholic, he has acknowledged that he was "drinking too much", Nicholas D. Kristof quotes Bush's cousin Elsie Walker as saying, "He was a riot. But afterward, when you're older, that can wear thin", and gives the example of Bush asking a "proper" female friend of his parents at a family cocktail party, "So, what's sex like after 50, anyway?" The most notorious episode, reported in numerous diverse sources... less